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Related Concept Videos

Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

8.0K
The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
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Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla01:21

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

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The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...
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Veins of Head and Neck01:19

Veins of Head and Neck

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The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
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Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

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The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
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Neural Control of Respiration01:18

Neural Control of Respiration

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The neural regulation of respiration is a meticulously coordinated process primarily controlled by the respiratory centers located within the brainstem. These centers, composed of specialized neurons, transmit nerve impulses that control the contraction and relaxation of our respiratory muscles.
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
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Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions01:20

Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions

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The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It consists of four main parts: the cerebrum, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brainstem.
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Brain Death Induction in Mice Using Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring and Ventilation via Tracheostomy
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Brain death and the brainstem.

Calixto Machado1

  • 1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|March 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) diagnosis may be challenged by cases like Jahi McMath. Her condition suggests a new disorder of consciousness, termed "responsive unawakefulness syndrome," challenging traditional BD/DNC criteria.

Keywords:
Ancillary testsBrain deathBrain-deadComaDisorders of consciousness (DoCs)EEGHeart rate variability (HRV)Jahi McMathLocked-in syndrome (LIS)Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS)

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) is a distinct state following catastrophic brain injury.
  • Historically, the brainstem's role in vital functions has been recognized.
  • Brain lesions can cause herniation, impairing cerebral hemispheres and brainstem function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the diagnostic challenges of brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC).
  • To analyze the case of Jahi McMath as a potential challenge to BD/DNC.
  • To introduce and define a new disorder of consciousness: responsive unawakefulness syndrome.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical concepts of brainstem function.
  • Analysis of Jahi McMath's clinical presentation and ancillary test results.
  • Comparison of McMath's case with established BD/DNC criteria.

Main Results:

  • Jahi McMath presented with a significant brainstem lesion but showed preserved intracranial structures, EEG activity, and autonomic reactivity.
  • Ancillary tests nine months post-insult contradicted the BD/DNC diagnosis.
  • These findings suggest a state not previously described within BD/DNC.

Conclusions:

  • The case of Jahi McMath highlights limitations in current BD/DNC diagnostic criteria.
  • Responsive unawakefulness syndrome may represent a distinct neurological state.
  • Further research is needed to refine the understanding and diagnosis of disorders of consciousness.