Which part of the brain regulates involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate?

The medulla is the part of the brain responsible for regulating essential involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. It is located at the base of the brainstem, where it connects to the spinal cord. The medulla contains vital centers that monitor and control these automatic processes, ensuring that the body maintains homeostasis without requiring conscious effort. This is crucial for survival, as heart rate and respiration are fundamental to supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.

In contrast, the cerebellum primarily focuses on coordination and balance, the cortex is involved in higher-level functions including thought and decision-making, and the hippocampus plays a key role in memory formation. These areas have different responsibilities and do not directly control the autonomic processes overseen by the medulla.