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brain stem
noun
: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum
Examples of brain stem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers found more glowing sites of immune activation in people who had been infected with Covid than in those who had not, including: the brain stem, spinal cord, cardiopulmonary tissues, bone marrow, upper pharynx, chest lymph nodes, and gut wall.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 3 July 2024
The brain stem transmits messages between the cerebellum and the spinal cord.5
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo is the feeling of spinning.
—Yuliya Klochan, Health, 19 June 2024
Its deep-brain imaging extends to the brain stem and cerebellum, areas crucial for healthy mental and physiological functioning that are difficult to study with conventional MRI at lower magnetic field strengths.
—Matthew D. Sacchet, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
Some actions are immediately lost, such as brain stem reflexes, but others that are normally suppressed to optimize performance for ordinary life suddenly become disinhibited because the brain’s natural braking systems are no longer working.
—Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for brain stem
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brain stem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1874, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near brain stem
Cite this Entry
“Brain stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20stem. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
brain stem
noun
: the back and lower part of the brain including the midbrain and medulla oblongata
Medical Definition
brain stem
noun
: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum
More from Merriam-Webster on brain stem
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brain stem
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