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 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 Robb died peacefully Friday night at his Los Angeles home after being diagnosed in late October with inoperable cancer of the brain stem, Deadline reported. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2023 These symptoms are localized to a specific area of the brain known as the mammillary bodies near the brain stem, and may be caused by severe, chronic alcohol consumption. Greg Licholai, Forbes, 29 Nov. 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of brain stem was in 1874

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 28 Mar. 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

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