Brainstem
•Comprised of midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongota.
•Considered Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
•These peripheral nerves originate from brain.
•Two pairs arise from cerebrum; ten pairs arise from brainstem
A pontine CVA is a stroke involving the brainstem.
•Continuous with spinal cord; has both ascending and descending nerve tracts
•Regulates: sleep, heart rate, blood vessel diameter, respiration, swallowing, vomiting, hiccupping, coughing, and sneezing
