Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

1.7K
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.7K
Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation01:13

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

5.4K
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
5.4K
Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla01:21

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

5.1K
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...
5.1K
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

2.9K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
2.9K
Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

7.3K
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...
7.3K
Organization of the Brain01:30

Organization of the Brain

3.6K
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
3.6K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Preparing the Update of the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) Statement: Analysis of Comments and Suggestions From the Scientific Literature.

Journal of evidence-based medicine·2026
Same author

Integration of large language models and evidence-based Chinese medicine: A scoping review.

Integrative medicine research·2026
Same author

Design and methodology of the AI-empowered Clinical Evidence for Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine (ACE-iMed) platform.

Integrative medicine research·2026
Same author

Clinical evidence on integrated Chinese-Western medicine for depressive disorder.

Integrative medicine research·2026
Same author

Amuc_1100 alleviates HFD-induced hepatic lipid accumulation via gut microbiota in zebrafish: insights from the role of intestinal 14-3-3β/α-A.

Journal of animal science and biotechnology·2026
Same author

Clinical evidence on integrated Chinese-Western medicine for atopic dermatitis.

Integrative medicine research·2026
Same journal

Planning in the Brain: It's Not What You Think It Is.

Annual review of neuroscience·2026
Same journal

The Emerging Neurobiology of Psychedelics: Critical Periods, Metaplasticity, and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling.

Annual review of neuroscience·2026
Same journal

Rethinking Predictive Processing.

Annual review of neuroscience·2026
Same journal

Path Integration in Alzheimer's Disease: Orientation, Movement, and Theta Rhythmicity.

Annual review of neuroscience·2026
Same journal

The Cellular and Circuit Basis of Temperature Sensation in <i>Drosophila</i>.

Annual review of neuroscience·2026
Same journal

Learning and Representation of Categories in the Rodent Brain.

Annual review of neuroscience·2026
See all related articles
  1. Home
  3. Body-brain Integration: The Lower Brainstem In Sleep-wake Regulation.
  1. Home
  3. Body-brain Integration: The Lower Brainstem In Sleep-wake Regulation.

Related Experiment Video

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
08:58

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice

Published on: June 19, 2019

9.3K

Body-Brain Integration: The Lower Brainstem in Sleep-Wake Regulation.

Yuanyuan Yao1, Yang Dan1

  • 1Institute of Neuromodulation and Cognition (INC), Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; email: yyyao@smart.org.cn, danyang@smart.org.cn.

Annual Review of Neuroscience
|April 20, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The lower brainstem integrates bodily signals to regulate sleep and arousal. Key nuclei like the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) and parabrachial nucleus (PBN) coordinate brain states with homeostatic needs.

More Related Videos

Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice
10:56

Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice

Published on: August 2, 2017

9.3K
Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
08:45

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

Published on: January 25, 2016

24.0K

Related Experiment Videos

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
08:58

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice

Published on: June 19, 2019

9.3K
Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice
10:56

Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice

Published on: August 2, 2017

9.3K
Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
08:45

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

Published on: January 25, 2016

24.0K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • The lower brainstem is crucial for linking bodily functions to brain states.
  • Understanding its role in sleep-wake regulation and homeostasis is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on how lower brainstem nuclei form an integrated network.
  • To elucidate the coupling of sleep-wake cycles with homeostatic demands.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current research findings.
  • Analysis of the functional roles of specific brainstem nuclei (NST, PBN, etc.).

Main Results:

  • The nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) translates visceral signals into sleep drive.
  • The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) processes threat cues for arousal.
  • Medullary GABAergic, cholinergic, and catecholaminergic neurons modulate sleep-wake states and motor activity.

    • Conclusions:

    • The brainstem acts as a master coordinator, aligning brain states with peripheral functions.
    • It is more than a reflex center, actively regulating global physiological states.