Brainstem, Vagus Nerve, and Broca's Area
Brainstem
The brainstem coordinates and regulates all visceral activity.
Viscera refers to the internal organs.
The brainstem regulates everything that makes you function and keeps you alive.
The medulla oblongata (MO) regulates all of your visceral activity.
Pons
The pons works with the MO to regulate rate and rhythm of breathing.
The pons kicks in when you go to bed to keep you breathing at a constant rate.
The pons has visceral functions, specifically centered on respiratory systems.
Breathing is not typically a voluntary action unless consciously controlled.
Diaphragm function is key for breathing.
Brainstem keeps you alive.
If the brainstem is intact after a major accident (e.g., head crushed), the person might be considered a vegetable but will still be breathing.
Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is associated with the brainstem.
In Latin, "vagus" means life.
It is wired into all of your organs and regulates all visceral activity.
The vagus nerve connects to every major organ.
Fight or Flight Response
The vagus nerve triggers the fight or flight response.
It increases the size of vessels to put more blood into your muscles so you can run.
Heart rate increases, and breathing becomes faster.
The pons helps regulate faster breathing.
Cranial Nerves
It is only important to know the vagus nerve.
It's the primary nerve that regulates all your viscera.
Broca's Area
Broca's area is located on the left side of the brain in most people.
It is a motor area of the brain, located on the cortex (surface of the brain).
It controls the muscles needed for speech.
The primary muscle for speech is the tongue.
Broca's area regulates how you use your tongue and develop words.
If someone has a stroke, it can affect Broca's area, leading to a loss of ability to speak or slurred speech.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in your brain bursts.
This causes that part of the brain to die.
Strokes are common on the left side of the brain in most people.