The most basic functions of the body, such as breathing and blood pressure, are primarily controlled by which part of the brain?

The brain stem is responsible for regulating the most fundamental and essential functions of the body, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. This part of the brain connects the brain to the spinal cord and houses vital control centers that autonomously manage these involuntary processes.

The medulla oblongata, a section of the brain stem, plays a critical role in autonomic functions, including respiratory and cardiovascular control. It continuously monitors the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood to adjust the rate and depth of breathing accordingly, ensuring that the body's metabolic needs are met.

In contrast, the cerebellum is primarily involved in the coordination of movement and balance, while the cerebrum and cerebral cortex are associated with higher brain functions, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and voluntary muscle movements. These parts of the brain do not directly manage the automatic functions that maintain vital bodily processes like breathing and blood pressure.