brainstem

or brain stem

[ breyn-stem ]

/ ˈbreɪnˌstɛm /

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noun

the portion of the brain that is continuous with the spinal cord and comprises the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, and parts of the hypothalamus, functioning in the control of reflexes and such essential internal mechanisms as respiration and heartbeat.

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Origin of brainstem

First recorded in 1875–80; brain + stem¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use brainstem in a sentence

These are a few of the centers which are present in the brain stem.
Physiology|Ernest G. Martin
These are three in number, named the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem.
Physiology|Ernest G. Martin
We have a center in the brain stem from which the nervous discharges come.
Physiology|Ernest G. Martin
There's a place in the brain stem called the isthmus, no cell masses, just bundles of fibers running up and down.
A Matter of Proportion|Anne Walker

The kind of joint to be used having been hit upon, the next point was to secure a safe passage for the brain stem.
A Book of Exposition|Homer Heath Nugent

British Dictionary definitions for brainstem

brainstem

/ (ˈbreɪnˌstɛm) /

noun

the stalklike part of the brain consisting of the medulla oblongata, the midbrain, and the pons Varolii

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for brainstem

brainstem

[ brān′stĕm′ ]

The part of the vertebrate brain located at the base of the brain and made up of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain. The brainstem controls and regulates vital body functions, including respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure. See also reticular formation.