Which part of the brain is responsible for survival functions like breathing and heart rate?

The brainstem is primarily responsible for controlling vital survival functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It acts as a critical hub that connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates many of the automatic processes essential for life. Within the brainstem, structures like the medulla oblongata play a pivotal role in managing vital functions.

In contrast, other parts of the brain interact with different functions: the cerebellum is crucial for coordination and balance, the cerebral cortex is involved in higher cognitive functions such as thinking and decision-making, and the frontal lobe is associated with personality, behavior, and executive functions. Understanding the specific roles of these brain regions deepens the knowledge of how the brain operates in maintaining essential physiological functions.