Brainstem

Organization of the Brainstem

The brainstem is made up of three structures: midbrain, pons, and medulla.

  • Midbrain: top of the brainstem. This structure regulates eye movement as well as sensory and motor control

Pathology

TEXT

The brainstem is the highway of communicate between the brain and the spinal cord. It is located beneath the cerebrum and above the spinal cord. The brainstem regulates important body functions, including breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Pons: middle of the brainstem. This structure regulates sensory and motor control, as well as the body’s sleep cycle.

  • Medulla: bottom of the brainstem. This structure regulates breathing, blood pressure and heart rate.