brainstem
/ˈbreɪn.stɛm/
Definition
The stalk-like base of the brain that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord, responsible for controlling essential life-sustaining automatic functions.
Etymology
The word is a compound of the Old English 'brægen' (brain) and 'stem' (the main ascending part of a plant). It entered common usage in the late 19th century to describe the anatomical structure supporting the higher brain.
In the news
Although the article primarily focuses on thalamic growth, the word appears in the list of recent research links discussing a specific circuit within the brainstem that triggers anxiety. It serves as a reminder of the brain's complex, interconnected structures.
Exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy is linked to slower thalamic growth in children
Read the full article ↗PsyPost