Dictionary.com

brainstem

or brain stem

[ breyn-stem ]
/ ˈbreɪnˌstɛm /

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

Words nearby brainstem

brain sand, brain scan, brainsick, brain someone, Brain's reflex, brainstem, brainstem evoked response audiometry, brainstorm, brainstorming, Brains Trust, brain sugar
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for brainstem

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

n.

The portion of the brain, consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons Varolii, and mesencephalon, that connects the spinal cord to the forebrain and cerebrum.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.