What Does The Brainstem Do?

Big Picture

o contains neurons controlling

o levels of consciousness
o sleep/wakefulness cycle
o respiration
o heart rate
o emesis (vomiting)
o muscle tone, coordination and movements
What Does The Brainstem Do?
Big Picture

o also contains the nuclei of cranial

nerves that have important motor
function;
o Nerves to the extra-ocular muscles
o Nerves to muscles of mastication
o Nerves to the facial muscles
o Nerves to the pharynx & larynx
o Nerves to the tongue
o Autonomic nerves to the head & neck
What Does The Brainstem Do?
Big Picture

o also contains the nuclei of cranial

nerves processing sensory inputs
including;
o Vision
o Hearing
o Balance and
o Taste
What Does The Brainstem Do?
Big Picture

o serves as conduit for ascending

and descending fiber pathways
connecting the spinal cord with
cortical and subcortical brain areas