The brainstem is a crucial, stalk-like structure located at the base of the brain, connecting the cerebrum (the brain's largest part) and the spinal cord. It is essential for life, controlling vital autonomic functions necessary for survival, including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep cycles. It serves as a major pathway for sensory and motor information between the brain and the body, relaying signals and coordinating complex movements. Damage to this area can lead to severe consequences, including coma and death. The brainstem comprises several key components: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
Brainstem meaning with examples
- During a routine neurological exam, the doctor assessed the patient's brainstem reflexes, such as the pupillary light reflex, to gauge the organ's functionality. Damage to the brainstem from a stroke affected her ability to swallow and maintain a steady breathing rate. The research focused on the role of the brainstem in regulating wakefulness and maintaining attention. Studies highlighted the brainstem's significant role in modulating sensory input, particularly pain.
- The neurosurgeon's plan to carefully remove the tumor took the brainstem's proximity to delicate structures into account, prioritizing its preservation. The doctor explained the importance of protecting the patient's brainstem during the spinal surgery, as it connects the brain to the spinal cord. A traumatic brain injury caused extensive brainstem damage, severely compromising the patient's consciousness and bodily functions. The imaging scan clearly showed the lesion's dangerous location concerning the brainstem's location in the brain.
- After an accident, the patient's brainstem was severely compromised, the emergency team quickly assessed the patient. The neuroscientist theorized that the brainstem was heavily involved in addiction because it controls reward pathways. The doctor mentioned that the damage to the patient's brainstem required continuous observation to monitor vital signs, such as heart rate and respiration. His research explored how the brainstem contributes to different neurological disorders.
- The neurologist examined how the brainstem helps to coordinate eye movement and balance. Damage in this location can result in profound motor and sensory deficits. The patient struggled with motor skill coordination and balance, highlighting a possible brainstem issue. The brainstem coordinates signals that allow for reflexive actions, for example, that quick jerk back from a hot stove. The brainstem transmits signals to and from all of the body.
Brainstem Synonyms
brain stalk mesencephalon (referring specifically to the midbrain)Brainstem Antonyms
cerebellum cerebrumBrainstem Crossword Answers
9 Letters
BRAINSTEM