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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
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
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
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 4 Jul. 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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