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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
The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa because the nerves originating in the brain cross over into the lower brain stem before entering the spinal column.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 2 May 2024
That team proposed slicing off the top of Miranda’s skull and then groping down to her brain stem.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
Since retinoic acid is a major player that cues vital steps in development of the brain stem, better understanding the process could help in cases where the brain stem does not develop properly in humans and other animals.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024
According to the National Institutes of Health, the hindbrain includes the upper part of the spinal cord, the brain stem, and the cerebellum.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024
Brooks, 22, underwent emergency brain surgery on Sept. 15, to remove the tumor that was located between his cerebellum and brain stem.
—Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2023
Rousing the portion of the vagus nerve entering the brain stem might also engage neighboring cortical areas that are involved in memory and attention, according to Elisabetta Burchi, head of translational research at the neuromodulation start-up Parasym.
—Shi En Kim, Scientific American, 28 Dec. 2023
In a study published in The Lancet in 2021, researchers found that the brain stem — the bottom, stalklike portion of the brain that connects to the spinal cord — was activated during migraine attacks, but not during a cluster headache.
—Brittany Edelmann, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023
Ann, the participant in the USCF trial, had a brain stem stroke 17 years ago and has been participating in the research since last year.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2023
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 1 Jun. 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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