the brain stem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the brain stem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and is responsible for regulating vital functions. Example: "The brain stem plays a crucial role in controlling heart rate and breathing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harris told The Atlantic that it's a "race to the bottom of the brain stem".

Huffington Post

"The bullet damaged the brain stem".

The New York Times

Each of these engages the brain stem.

The New York Times - Health

"They are behavioral storms coming from the brain stem".

The New York Times - Magazine

The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord.

The New York Times

Pallis C. From brain death to the brain stem death.

Nature

Most sensory inputs also travel through the brain stem.

Britannica

The blue staining shows all cells in the brain stem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When the brain stem has ceased to function?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Current tests are devised to only find them in the brain stem.

The New York Times

Only the brain stem still works; the mind – according to most neurologists – has gone.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, avoid overly technical language and use "the brain stem" instead of more obscure anatomical terms to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing higher cognitive functions to "the brain stem". It primarily controls basic survival functions, not complex thought processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the brain stem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. It identifies a specific anatomical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the brain stem" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to a vital part of the brain responsible for basic life functions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its primary use in informational and descriptive contexts. It appears most often in scientific and news media, maintaining a neutral to formal register. When writing about "the brain stem", clarity is paramount, and technical jargon should be avoided for general audiences. Remember to focus on its core functions rather than attributing higher-level cognitive processes to it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brainstem

This is a shortened, single-word form of the phrase.

the brain's stem

This is a variant using a possessive form to describe the brain stem.

medulla oblongata

This refers to a specific part of the brain stem.

lower brain

This is a more general term indicating the location of the brain stem.

base of the brain

This phrase describes the location of the brain stem within the skull.

hindbrain

This refers to the developmental region that includes the brain stem.

the encephalon's base

This alternative uses a more formal term for "brain" with a possessive form and anatomical reference.

the part of the brain connecting to the spine

This is a descriptive phrase highlighting the anatomical connection.

the spinal cord's connection to the brain

This phrase describes the brain stem by its function as a connector.

the brain's central trunk

This uses a botanical metaphor to describe the function and location of the brain stem.

FAQs

What is the function of "the brain stem"?

"The brain stem" is responsible for basic life functions, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Is "brainstem" one word or two?

Both "brainstem" (one word) and "the brain stem" (two words) are acceptable, though "brainstem" is often used in more technical contexts.

What part of the brain is "the brain stem"?

"The brain stem" connects the brain to the spinal cord and is located at the base of the brain.

What happens if "the brain stem" is damaged?

Damage to "the brain stem" can result in severe impairment of vital functions, potentially leading to coma or death.