Which part of the brain is involved in autonomic control?

The medulla oblongata is a critical structure in the brain involved in the autonomic control of various bodily functions. It regulates vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, which are essential for maintaining homeostasis. This part of the brain is located in the brainstem and acts as a pathway for signals between the brain and the spinal cord, facilitating communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

In contrast, the hippocampus is primarily associated with memory formation and spatial navigation, the cerebellum plays a significant role in motor control and coordination, and the cerebrum is largely responsible for higher brain functions, including thinking, reasoning, and sensory perception. Each of these regions has distinct functions that do not directly relate to the autonomic control exerted by the medulla oblongata.