Glossary

The brainstem (or brain stem) is the posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord.   Though small, this is an extremely important part of the brain as the nerve connections of the motor and sensory systems from the main part of the brain to the rest of the body pass through the brainstem. The brainstem also plays an important role in  many basic functions including heart rate, breathing, sleeping and eating.