Brainstem

Dissection of brain stem. Lateral view.

In neuroanatomy, the brainstem is the "part of the brain that connects the cerebral hemispheres with the spinal cord. It consists of the mesencephalon; pons; and medulla oblongata."

From superior to inferior:

• mesencephalon (also called midbrain)
  • tectum mesencephali (dorsal)
  • tegmentum mesencephali (ventral)
• pons
• medulla oblongata

Superficial dissection of brain stem. Ventral view.