Which part of the brain stem is responsible for autonomic functions such as breathing?

The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating autonomic functions, which are essential for survival. It controls many involuntary functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and crucially, breathing. The medulla contains centers that monitor carbon dioxide levels and ensure that breathing adjusts accordingly, allowing for the body's needs to be met even when an individual is not consciously thinking about breathing.

The pons, while also part of the brainstem, primarily serves as a relay station for signals between the cerebellum and the cerebrum, and includes parts involved in regulating the timing of breathing but does not control breathing directly. The midbrain is involved in functions such as vision and hearing, and the cerebellum is mainly responsible for coordination and balance. Thus, the medulla’s specific functions make it the critical area of the brain responsible for autonomic control of breathing.