<p>The brainstem is responsible for carrying all information from the body to the cerebrum and cerebellum (hindbrain) and from the brain to the body. The pathways ascending from the body to the brain are the sensory pathways and communicate to your brain that which is going on with the body (pain, hunger, desires, temperature, sensations, etc). The descending pathways move from the brain to the body. The last job of the brain stem is its regulation of various systems, such as your cardiovascular system, respiratory system, pain sensitivity controls, as well as alertness, and consciousness.</p><p>The brainstem plays a primary role in conduit functions. That is, all information related from the body to the cerebrum and cerebellum and vice versa, must traverse the brain stem. The ascending pathways coming from the body to the brain are the sensory pathways. Descending tracts are upper motor neurons destined to synapses on lower motor neurons. The brain stem also has integrative functions. It is involved in cardiovascular system control, respiratory control, pain sensitivity control, alertness, and consciousness.</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="@@PLUGINFILE@@/the-triune-brain.png" alt="The Triune Brain" width="602" height="325" class="img-responsive atto_image_button_middle"><br></p>