brainstem
/ˈbreɪn.stɛm/
noun
- The part of the brain that connects the spinal cord to the rest of the brain and controls basic life functions like breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
- Damage to the brainstem can affect a person's ability to swallow or stay awake.
- After the accident, doctors checked his brainstem to see if he could breathe on his own.
- The brainstem is responsible for keeping your heart beating without you having to think about it.