1. the part of the brain that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord, consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata, and controlling vital functions such as breathing and heart rate
Usage: anatomy; medical

Examples

• The brainstem controls automatic functions like breathing and heart rate.
• Damage to the brainstem can be life-threatening because it regulates essential bodily processes.
• The medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brainstem.
• Doctors examined the patient's brainstem after the accident to check for injuries.
• The brainstem relays signals between the brain and the spinal cord.