intermediateanatomybrainstemautonomic
Brain Stem
Life-sustaining autonomic functions and consciousness arousal.
© Blausen Medical Communications · CC-BY
The brain stem connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord and comprises the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. It controls vital autonomic functions: heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and sleep-wake cycles through the reticular activating system. Cranial nerve nuclei in the brain stem mediate vision, hearing, facial sensation, swallowing, and eye movements. Brain stem strokes can be life-threatening.
Functions
Vital functionsSleep-wake cyclesHeart rateBreathingConsciousness arousal
Related Disorders
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