01 / Location & anatomical relationships
At the base of the brain, continuing into the spinal cord.
02 / Structure & organization
The midbrain, pons and medulla form the brainstem. Ascending and descending pathways pass through it, alongside cranial nerve nuclei and networks involved in arousal and automatic regulation.
03 / Function
It helps control automatic jobs such as breathing.
04 / Mechanism
Nerve pathways pass through it between the brain and body. Groups of cells also help regulate breathing, alertness and swallowing. These jobs continue without you having to plan each individual movement.
Part of a bigger picture
The brainstem belongs in our brain & senses collection. Explore the nearby parts to see how this area of the body fits together.
Explore brain & senses →FOR DEEPER STUDY
Connect structure with function
A small cross-section contains many distinct pathways. Studying its levels is more useful than treating the brainstem as a single undifferentiated control switch.
Check your understanding
Locate the brainstem in relation to its neighbors. Explain how the structural features described above support its function, then distinguish it from a nearby structure with a different role.
Keep learning
Further reading: NINDS: Know Your Brain.
Continue with OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology for system-level study. This atlas is educational and has not undergone independent medical peer review.