Noun: brainstem 'breyn,stem
- The part of the brain continuous with the spinal cord and comprising the medulla oblongata and pons and midbrain and parts of the hypothalamus
"Damage to the brainstem can be life-threatening due to its control of vital functions";
- brain-stem, brain stem
Derived forms: brain stems, brainstems
Type of: neural structure
Part of: brain, encephalon
Encyclopedia: Brainstem