If it does, for example through blood loss, the heart may no longer be able to maintain an adequate circulation (White, 2003). As the person is unconscious and immobile, demand will not normally change. The main role for the brainstem is to alter heart rate and blood pressure in response to changed demand. The heart will continue to beat, maintaining circulation and a certain level of blood pressure because the nature of cardiac tissue means the heart can continue to beat without external stimulation. Loss of the other brainstem functions will only cause problems over time. The other immediate impact will be loss of consciousness and coma. The most immediately important consequence of this will be the inability to breathe. The brainstem is also responsible for coordinating swallowing, coughing, sneezing, eyeball movement and the maintenance of consciousness (Tortora and Derrickson, 2006).ĭamage to the brainstem will affect its functions - severe damage can cause a complete loss of activity in this area. Specific areas within it control body temperature, blood pressure and breathing. Its main function is to control the vital functions of the body. The brainstem is much smaller, found at the base of the brain, and is the anatomical link between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain. This folded structure, which is visible when the top of the skull is removed, controls the higher body functions - thought, emotion and language. The largest part of the brain, at approximately 85% of the total weight, is the cerebrum. It can be divided into a number of different areas that perform specific functions in the control of the body. The brain is an organ that is composed primarily of nervous tissue. In order to understand the importance of the brainstem to the normal functioning of the body it is essential to examine the location and function of this part of the brain. This has led to the development of the diagnosis of brainstem death. The areas of the brain required to stimulate breathing have died but the heart continues to beat. David Gallimore, MSc, BSc, RGN, is tutor in adult nursing, School of Health Science, University of Wales, Swansea
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