Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
brain-stem

brain-stem

1 4.4
The part of the brain at the base that connects to the spinal cord and controls breathing and heart rate
  • noun
  • /ˈbreɪnˌstɛm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tronco encefálico
  • Damage to the brain stem can affect breathing and heart rate, highlighting its importance in basic life support.

Examples

  • Doctors study the brain-stem to understand neurological disorders.

  • The brain-stem controls essential functions like breathing and heart rate.

  • After the accident, doctors found damage to his brain-stem.

  • Injuries to the brain-stem can have life-threatening consequences.

  • The brain-stem controls essential functions like breathing.

  • The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord, playing a crucial role in regulating vital functions.

  • During the surgery, the doctors carefully monitored the brain stem to avoid any complications.

Synonyms

brain stem
vsbrain-stem
  • Specialized
15 4.1

The part of the brain near the spinal cord that controls breathing and heart rate

is broader, including nearby structures not just the main three parts
brainstem
vsbrain-stem
  • Specialized
6 5.5

The part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls breathing and heart rate

is broader, adding nearby structures beyond the three named parts

Surface Forms

brain-stem singular
brain-stems plural

Morphology

brain-stem = brain + stem (transparent) = brain + stem

A direct compound of two common nouns; learners who know 'brain' and 'stem' can infer it denotes the stem-like part of the brain connecting to the spinal cord.

Etymology

Brain-stem is simply the words brain and stem put together, and a stem is like the stem of a plant that 'connects' and 'supports' the rest. So the brain-stem is the part that connects the brain to the spine and supports basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.