Which part of the brain controls functions necessary for life such as respiration?

The brain stem is the part of the brain responsible for regulating essential functions necessary for survival, including respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure. It acts as the main pathway for communication between the brain and the body, linking various parts of the nervous system. Specifically, the medulla oblongata, which is part of the brain stem, contains centers that control the rhythm and depth of breathing, making it vital for maintaining homeostasis and life itself.

The cerebrum is primarily responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking, problem-solving, and voluntary movements, but it does not control basic autonomic functions like respiration. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, playing a key role in fine-tuning motor activity rather than regulating life-sustaining processes. The corpus callosum serves as a bridge between the two hemispheres of the cerebrum, facilitating communication between them, but it does not have a role in controlling essential life functions.