brainstem

American  

[breyn-stem] / ˈbreɪnˌstɛm /

Or brain stem

noun

1. 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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brainstem British  

/ ˈbreɪnˌstɛm /

noun

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

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brainstem Scientific  

/ brān′stĕm′ /

1. 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.

2. See also reticular formation

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Etymology

Origin of brainstem

First recorded in 1875–80; brain + stem ¹

Example Sentences

Doctors said he experienced a brainstem stroke, apparently caused by a post-surgery blood clot.

From New York Times

"The 9-10 inch screwdriver entered her left temple at a downward angle and lodged in the brainstem," Milwaukee County Medical Examiner records say.

From Fox News

Theories have included undetected viral infections, magnesium deficiency, diaphragm failure, various heart defects, and abnormalities in the brainstem.

From Salon

Those places include the area postrema in the brainstem, which lies outside the blood-brain barrier because its job is to detect toxins and trigger vomiting in response.

From Seattle Times

They typically are caused by atherosclerosis in the artery that feeds the brainstem or by a big clot that originates in the heart and lodges in that artery.

From New York Times