brainstem

or brain stem

[breyn-stem]

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.

Origin of brainstem

First recorded in 1875–80; brain + stem¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for brainstem

Contemporary Examples of brainstem

Brain death implies the complete and permanent absence of neurological function in the cortex and the brainstem.
Families and Physicians Debate the True Meaning of Brain Death
Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD, Richard Joseph
January 14, 2014

British Dictionary definitions for brainstem

brainstem

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

brainstem in Science

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.