AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The brain stem is the oldest and innermost region of the brain. It’s designed to control the most basic functions of life, including breathing, attention, and motor responses (Figure 4.7, “The Brain Stem and the Thalamus”).

Detailed explanation-2: -The brainstem is critically important for the survival of an animal. It lies between higher centres and the spinal cord and constitutes one of the oldest parts of our brains.

Detailed explanation-3: -The brainstem is the oldest part of the brain as it’s the first to develop. That’s why we call it the “reptilian brain”. Well, this oldie is responsible for all the vital respiratory and cardiac functions. It also acts as the information vehicle to the spinal cord.

Detailed explanation-4: -medulla oblongata, also called medulla, the lowest part of the brain and the lowest portion of the brainstem. The medulla oblongata is connected by the pons to the midbrain and is continuous posteriorly with the spinal cord, with which it merges at the opening (foramen magnum) at the base of the skull.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Brainstem lies at the base of the brain and the top of the spinal cord. The brainstem is the structure that connects the cerebrum of the brain to the spinal cord and cerebellum. It is composed of 3 sections in descending order: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.