Which part of the brainstem controls heartbeat and breathing?

The medulla is a vital structure within the brainstem that is primarily responsible for autonomic functions such as heartbeat and breathing. It serves as a crucial control center for several involuntary actions that are essential for survival. The medulla regulates the heart rate by sending signals to the cardiac muscles, influencing how fast or slow the heart beats. Additionally, it plays a role in the respiratory center, controlling the rhythm and depth of breathing.

Other parts of the brainstem, while important for different functions, do not hold the same level of responsibility for heartbeat and breathing regulation. For instance, the pons, which is also part of the brainstem, primarily manages communication between different parts of the brain and assists with functions related to sleep and arousal. The cerebellum, located behind the brainstem, is mainly involved in coordination, balance, and motor control rather than autonomic functions. The midbrain is involved in processes related to vision and hearing, among other functions, but does not directly influence the autonomic control of heartbeat or respiration. Thus, the medulla is clearly established as the critical brainstem component for managing these essential life-sustaining processes.