What is Brain stem?
[[File:Human brain frontal (coronal) section description.JPG|thumb|right|300px| The midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata are labelled on this section of the human brain.]] The '''brainstem''' is the rear part of the [[brain]]. It has two sections: the '''[[hindbrain]]''', which includes the '''[[pons]] and medula''', and the '''[[midbrain]]'''. Though the brainstem is small, it is extremely important. The motor (movement) and sensory connections from the main part of the brain to the rest of the body pass through the brain stem. Also, from the brainstem come the main motor and sensory [[nerve]]s to the [[face]] and [[neck]]. These nerves are called the [[cranial nerve]]s. The brainstem controls many bodily functions(called involuntary or unconscious) of which we are not normally aware, such as [[breathing]], [[Heartbeat|heart beat]], and [[sweat]]ing. The brainstem controls functions which are [[unconscious]], but necessary for life. The hindbrain consists of the pons, and the [[medulla oblongata]]; which is an extension of the [[spinal cord]]. It connects the other parts of the brain (the [[cerebrum]] and [[cerebellum]]) to the [[spinal cord]]. Its [[neuron]]s are the control centre of bodily functions, such as [[breathing]] and [[blood pressure]]. == Functions of the brainstem == ;Conduction: All information going between the body and the [[cerebellum]] and the [[cerebrum]] must go through the brainstem. ;Nerves: Cranial nerves 3–12 emerge from the brainstem. There are motor neurons in the brainstem that allow movement in the face, including [[speech]] and [[swallowing]]. ;Integration: It is involved in [[cardiovascular system]] control, [[Respiration|respiratory]] control, [[pain]] sensitivity [[wikt:control|control]], [[wikt:alertness|alertness]], [[wikt:awareness|awareness]], and [[consciousness]]. Thus, brainstem damage is a serious and often life-threatening problem. [[Category:Anatomy of the brain]]