Brain Base: The Brainstem

The cerebral cortex processes and outputs mostly all of the information brought in to the brain. Knowing the functions of the cerebral cortex, how does the information enter and leave the brain? The oldest part of the brain--the brainstem--acts as a gateway for information to be transported from the sensory organs to the brain, and from the brain to the central nervous system. There are several structures on the brainstem that contribute to the main functions of your body. Starting at the spinal cord and moving up to the previously discussed cerebral cortex, the following image shows the layout of the brainstem:The midbrain - fully developed at birth, regulates attention, sleeping, waking, and other automatic functions
The Pons - also helps regulate automatic functions such as arousal, sleep, and relaying information from the cerebellum to other parts of the brain
The Cerebellum - the latin term for "little brain", laying at the rear of the brain, it is largely involved in motor control such as movement, balance, precision, and coordination
The Medulla - along with the midbrain, it is fully developed at birth, and regulates vital functions of living such as heartbeat and respiration