The Brain Stem

The brainstem regulates vital cardiac and respiratory functions and acts as a vehicle for sensory information.

The medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions and connects the higher levels of the brain to the spinal cord.

The pons is a relay station between the forebrain and cerebellum that passes sensory information from the periphery to the thalamus.

The midbrain plays a major role in both wakefulness and regulation of homeostasis.

The reticular formation assists in regulation of the sleep cycle and detecting sensory salience.