Editing Central nervous system (section)

====Brainstem====
{{main article|Brainstem}}
The brainstem consists of the [[medulla oblongata|medulla]], the [[pons]] and the [[midbrain]]. The medulla can be referred to as an extension of the spinal cord, which both have similar organization and functional properties.<ref name="Kandel" /> The tracts passing from the spinal cord to the brain pass through here.<ref name="Kandel" />

Regulatory functions of the medulla nuclei include control of [[blood pressure]] and [[breathing]]. Other nuclei are involved in [[balance (ability)|balance]], [[taste]], [[hearing]], and control of muscles of the [[face]] and [[neck]].<ref name="Kandel" />

The next structure rostral to the medulla is the pons, which lies on the ventral anterior side of the brainstem. Nuclei in the pons include [[pontine nuclei]] which work with the [[cerebellum]] and transmit information between the cerebellum and the [[cerebral cortex]].<ref name="Kandel" />
In the dorsal posterior pons lie nuclei that are involved in the functions of breathing, sleep, and taste.<ref name="Kandel" />

The midbrain, or mesencephalon, is situated above and rostral to the pons. It includes nuclei linking distinct parts of the motor system, including the cerebellum, the [[basal ganglia]] and both [[cerebral hemisphere]]s, among others. Additionally, parts of the visual and auditory systems are located in the midbrain, including control of automatic eye movements.<ref name="Kandel" />

The brainstem at large provides entry and exit to the brain for a number of pathways for motor and autonomic control of the face and neck through cranial nerves,<ref name="Kandel" /> Autonomic control of the organs is mediated by the [[Vagus nerve|tenth cranial nerve]].<ref name="Fitzgerald" /><!-- page 98-199 --> A large portion of the brainstem is involved in such autonomic control of the body. Such functions may engage the [[heart]], [[blood vessels]], and [[pupil]]s, among others.<ref name="Kandel" />

The brainstem also holds the [[reticular formation]], a group of nuclei involved in both [[arousal]] and [[alertness]].<ref name="Kandel" />