Brain Stem Functions and Structure

Location and Structure

• The brain stem is the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord
• It is divided into three main parts: midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
• The brain stem is responsible for controlling many of the body's automatic functions

Functions

• Regulates breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst
• Manages sleep and wakefulness
• Processes sensory information from the face and head
• Plays a role in regulating posture, balance, and movement

Cranial Nerves

• The brain stem is the origin of 10 of the 12 cranial nerves
• These nerves are responsible for controlling various functions such as:
  • Smell and taste
  • Eye movement and vision
  • Hearing and balance
  • Facial expressions and sensation
  • Swallowing and salivation

Damage and Disorders

• Damage to the brain stem can result in serious consequences, including:
  • Respiratory failure
  • Coma
  • Death
• Disorders affecting the brain stem include:
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Brain tumors
  • Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis

Brain Stem Structure

• Located at the base of the brain, connecting to the spinal cord
• Divided into three main parts: midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata

Brain Stem Functions

• Regulates vital functions:
  • Breathing
  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
• Controls:
  • Body temperature
  • Hunger
  • Thirst
• Manages:
  • Sleep and wakefulness
  • Posture and balance
  • Movement
• Processes sensory information from the face and head

Cranial Nerves

• 10 out of 12 cranial nerves originate from the brain stem
• These nerves control various functions, including:
  • Smell and taste
  • Eye movement and vision
  • Hearing and balance
  • Facial expressions and sensation
  • Swallowing and salivation

Damage and Disorders

• Brain stem damage can lead to severe consequences, including:
  • Respiratory failure
  • Coma
  • Death
• Disorders affecting the brain stem include:
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Brain tumors
  • Infections (e.g., meningitis and encephalitis)