continuous w/spinal cord but organized differently internally

conduction pathway, decussation of descending tracts results in contralateral control of motor activities

house motor nuclei for cranial nerves IX-XII (glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, & hypoglossal)

autonomic reflex center for cardiovascular (e.g., heart rate & blood vessel diameter), respiratory & other visceral activities

composed of mostly fiber tracts (ascending & descending tracts btwn higher brain centers & spinal cord or cerebellum)

also houses nuclei for cranial nerves V-VIII (trigeminal, abducens, facial,  vestibulocochlear),

pontine nuclei (for tracts btwn cerebellum & cerebrum)

other autonomic activities, e.g., respiratory, sleep, etc.

coordinates unconscious movement of skeletal muscles by comparing messages from motor cortex w/propioreceptor information to correct any discrepancies

involved in balance, maintaining muscle tone & judging passing of time

conducts several pathways btwn cortex & lower CNS

visual & auditory reflex centers (superior & inferior colliculi)

cranial nerves III-IV (oculomotor & trochlear)

“gateway to cerebral cortex” – directs sensory input  to appropriate region of cerebral cortex

can prevent or enhance passage of info to cortex

receives motor control signals from cortex

also relays signals from cerebellum to cerebrum to coordinate movement

nuclei involved in emotional & visceral responses to smell

pineal body - secretes melatonin - involved in sleep-wake cycles & possibly onset of puberty

main regulator of autonomic nervous system & therefore many visceral activities

perception of pain, pleasure, fear & rage many of which initiate ANS response

body temperature regulation - thermostat

regulation of food intake - responds to changing blood levels of nutrients by regulating feelings of hunger

regulates water balance & thirst - osmoreceptors detect water imbalance stimulates release of antidiuretic hormone

regulation of sleep-wake cycles - stimulated by daylight-darkness patterns sets timing for sleep-wake cycles