Jack Westin MCAT Podcast

MCAT Brain Anatomy: Brainstem, Medulla & Vital Functions 🧠

Jan 13, 2026
Dive into the fascinating world of brain anatomy by exploring the vital functions of the brainstem. Discover how the medulla oblongata oversees breathing and circulation, and learn about the roles of the pons and reticular activating system in regulating sleep and arousal. Understand how caffeine tricks your brain, blocking adenosine to keep you alert. The discussion also highlights the autonomic nervous system's dual roles in fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest responses, ensuring you know the essentials for your studies!
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INSIGHT

Neural Tube Maps To Adult Brain Regions

  • The neural tube from ectoderm becomes the entire CNS and spinal cord.
  • Prosencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon map to forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain respectively.
INSIGHT

Medulla Controls Core Vital Functions

  • The medulla oblongata is the brain's vital-functions HQ for breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
  • MCAT questions on survival functions often point to medulla dysfunction.
INSIGHT

Receptors Let Medulla Sense Internal State

  • The medulla uses receptor input like baroreceptors and chemoreceptors to regulate homeostasis.
  • Baroreceptors sense stretch for blood pressure; chemoreceptors detect CO2 for respiratory drive.
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