what does the brainstem do

The brainstem is the stalk-like part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord. It is responsible for many vital functions of life, such as breathing, consciousness, blood pressure, heart rate, and sleep. The brainstem helps regulate some body functions, including balance, coordination, and reflexes. It also relays information to and from the brain to the rest of the body, playing an important role in the brain’s core functions, such as consciousness, awareness, and movement. The brainstem contains many critical collections of white and grey matter and is composed entirely of neural tissue. The brainstem is responsible for regulating most of the bodys automatic functions that are essential for life, including breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, swallowing, and facial movements. The nerves that pass through the brainstem either continue down to the spinal cord or extend through the head to control facial functions. Some of the nerves contained within the brainstem produce neurotransmitters, which are used to chemically convey information and assist with balance, reflexes, heart rate, breathing, facial movements, facial sensations, swallowing, and hearing.