The brainstem is located underneath the limbic system is the brain stem. The midbrain includes the tectum and tegmentum. The brain stem is made up of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. The midbrain is the rostral part of the brain stem. The pons are a part of the metencephalon in the hindbrain. The medulla oblongata is located between the pons and spinal cord. This structure is responsible for basic vital life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. The midbrain is involved in functions such as vision, hearing, eye movement, and body movement. The pons are involved in motor control and sensory analysis. For example, information from the ear first enters the brain in the pons. It also has parts that are important for the level of consciousness and for sleep. …show more content…
The medulla oblongata is responsible for maintaining vital body functions, such as breathing and heart rate. Nicotine affects the function of the brainstem. Nicotine is seen as a mild stimulant and provides relaxation. This psychoactive drug effects the cardiovascular system. The release of adrenaline leads to an increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. Nicotine disrupts the normal relationship between the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the receptors acetylcholine binds to. These changes in the brain can lead to addiction. When a cigarette is smoked, nicotine-rich blood passes from the lungs to the brain within seven seconds and immediately stimulates the release of many chemical messengers such as