medulla oblongata

Brainstem

The part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord and includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Diencephalon

Also known as the lower brain, it is involved in sensory and motor signal relay and the regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action.

Cerebellum

A structure located at the back of the brain, responsible for coordination and balance.

Medulla oblongata

The lower part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

The part of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus; involved in managing sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder control, hearing, equilibrium, taste, eye movement, facial expressions, and posture.

Midbrain

The uppermost part of the brainstem that contributes to motor movement, particularly movements of the eye, and in auditory and visual processing.

Decussation

The crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the body to the other in the medulla, which is why the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body.

Tracts

Bundles of axons in the central nervous system that convey information.

Cardiac center

Part of the medulla that regulates the heart rate and force of contraction.

Vasomotor center

Part of the medulla that controls blood pressure by regulating the diameter of blood vessels.

Respiratory center

Region of the medulla that regulates the rhythm and depth of breathing.

Cranial nerve IX

The glossopharyngeal nerve, which is responsible for taste and autonomic control of blood pressure.

Cranial nerve X

The vagus nerve, which controls heart rate and is involved in autonomic functions of the GI tract.

Cranial nerve XI

The accessory nerve, primarily responsible for motor function to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Cranial nerve XII

The hypoglossal nerve, responsible for motor control of the tongue.

Reticular formation

A network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness and consciousness.

Nuclei

Bundles of neuron cell bodies in the central nervous system.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness, particularly in the context of the reticular formation's functioning.

Involuntary reactions

Automatic bodily processes that are not consciously controlled, such as breathing and heart rate.