What part of the brain connects to the spinal cord?

The medulla oblongata is the part of the brain that connects directly to the spinal cord. It is located in the brainstem and plays a crucial role in autonomic functions, such as regulating heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. As the most inferior part of the brainstem, the medulla serves as a conduit for nerve signals traveling between the brain and the spinal cord, facilitating communication within the nervous system.

The cerebellum, while an important part of the brain, primarily manages coordination and balance. It does not have a direct connection to the spinal cord. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information before it reaches the cortex but does not connect to the spinal cord directly. The pons also forms part of the brainstem and serves various functions, including relaying signals to the cerebellum, but again, it does not serve as the direct connection to the spinal cord. Thus, the medulla oblongata is specifically responsible for this crucial neurological link.