BRAIN STEM Meaning and
Definition
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The brain stem is a crucial component of the central nervous system located at the base of the brain. It serves as a communication pathway, connecting the brain and spinal cord. Functionally, the brain stem controls and regulates many essential life-sustaining processes, such as heart rate, breathing, consciousness, and overall body coordination.
Anatomically, the brain stem consists of three main sections: the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata. These structures work together in coordinating various important bodily functions. The midbrain, situated between the forebrain and hindbrain, is responsible for relaying sensory information, controlling eye movement, and facilitating auditory and visual reflexes. The pons, located above the medulla, acts as a bridge that transmits signals between different parts of the brain. It aids in regulating sleep, respiration, and facial movements. Lastly, the medulla oblongata, positioned at the lowermost part of the brain stem, controls vital processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, swallowing, and digestion.
The brain stem serves as a vital link connecting the cerebral cortex, which controls higher-level thinking and voluntary movements, with the peripheral nervous system. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis, ensuring the seamless functioning of the body's essential physiological activities. Any damage or impairment to the brain stem can have severe consequences, potentially disrupting vital functions and leading to life-threatening conditions.
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The medulla and pons; the rhombencephalon, excluding the cerebellum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BRAIN STEM
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Etymology of BRAIN STEM
The word "brain stem" is composed of two parts: "brain" and "stem".
The term "brain" comes from the Old English word "brægen" or "brein", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bragnan", meaning "brain". This word ultimately goes back to the Proto-Indo-European root "mreghs" which meant "skull, brain".
The word "stem" originated from the Old English word "stemn", which is related to the Old Norse word "stafn" and the Middle Dutch word "stam". Originally, "stem" meant "tree trunk" or "the main part of a plant". Over time, its meaning expanded to include various other types of support structures.
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