Brain-stem

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Brain-stem

The Brain-stem (pronounced: /ˈbreɪnˌstɛm/) is a central part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. It consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Etymology

The term "brain-stem" is derived from the English words "brain" and "stem". The word "brain" comes from the Old English "brægen", which means "brain", while "stem" comes from the Old English "stefn", meaning "stem" or "trunk".

Function

The brain-stem controls the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body, and it also controls basic body functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness, and sleep.

Related Terms

  • Midbrain: The upper part of the brain-stem, which plays an important role in motor movement, particularly movements of the eye, and in auditory and visual processing.
  • Pons: The part of the brain-stem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus. It serves several functions, including the management of sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder control, hearing, equilibrium, taste, eye movement, facial expressions, facial sensation, and posture.
  • Medulla oblongata: The lower half of the brain-stem, which controls autonomic functions and connects the higher levels of the brain to the spinal cord.

External links

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