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. 2022

How to use brainstem in a sentence

We have to use common sense inclusiveness, because we are quickly getting to a place where our brain is falling out.
A Field General in the War on Christmas|David Freedlander|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
My father has suffered two strokes and endured brain cancer since I was arrested and imprisoned.
An American Marine in Iran’s Prisons Goes on Hunger Strike|IranWire|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Related: The 10 Best Apps for Your Brain As you age, your brain changes.
Running 15 Miles a Week Could Slash Alzheimer’s Risk|DailyBurn|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You lose connectivity between portions of your brain, and some regions even experience shrinkage, according to Williams.
Running 15 Miles a Week Could Slash Alzheimer’s Risk|DailyBurn|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Not only did a cherished character get a bullet to the brain, but things are only going to get worse on The Walking Dead.
‘Walking Dead’ Showrunner Scott Gimple Teases ‘Darker, Weirder’ Times Ahead|Melissa Leon|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On the upper part of the stem the whorls are very close together, but they are more widely separated at the lower portion.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
All the operations of her brain related themselves somehow to to-morrow afternoon.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
The upper part of the stem is usually unbranched, but whorls of branches occur towards the base.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
Persistent glycosuria has been noted in brain injuries involving the floor of the fourth ventricle.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
His ear, his brain, his muscles take on a new joyous activity, and the tide of life rises higher.
Children's Ways|James Sully

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

Medical definitions for brainstem

brainstem

The portion of the brain, consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons Varolii, and mesencephalon, that connects the spinal cord to the forebrain and cerebrum.

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.