Tag: brainstem function

The human brain is one of the most intricate and powerful organs in the body, and the cerebral cortex stands as its crowning glory. This thin, wrinkled layer on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres plays an outsized role in everything from memory and reasoning to language and consciousness itself. When discussing the thin layer of surface on cerebral hemispheres, we are directly referring to the cerebral cortex—a structure no thicker than a few millimeters yet composed of billions of neurons. Despite its delicate appearance, this sheet of gray matter is responsible for the incredible complexity that defines human cognition and behavior. Scientists have long recognized the cerebral cortex as central to higher-order functions, but our understanding continues to evolve with advancements in neuroimaging and computational modeling.

The human brain is a marvel of biological engineering, orchestrating countless physiological functions necessary for survival. Among its many structures, the medulla oblongata plays a crucial role in regulating some of the body's most essential functions, including breathing and heart rate. Without this vital brainstem component, the body would struggle to maintain autonomic processes necessary for sustaining life. But what part of the brain controls heart rate? What part of the brain controls breathing? The answer lies largely within the medulla of the brain. This article delves into the fundamental functions of the medulla, its intricate mechanisms, and how it ensures the body's survival by controlling breathing and heart rate.