Figure 11-5B. Human brain (bottom view).
a. The Brainstem. The term brainstem refers to that part of the brain that
would remain after removal of the cerebrum and cerebellum. The brainstem is the
basal portion (portion of the base) of the brain. The brainstem can be divided as
follows:
FOREBRAINSTEM:
thalamus
hypothalamus
MIDBRAINSTEM:
corpora quadrigemina
cerebral peduncles
HINDBRAINSTEM:
pons
medulla
(1) The brainstem is continuous with the spinal cord. Together, the brain-
stem and the spinal cord are sometimes known as the neuraxis.
(2) The brainstem provides major relays and controls for information
passing up or down the neuraxis.
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