The part of the brain that controls heart rate and breathing is mainly the medulla oblongata , which sits in the brainstem at the base of the brain.

Quick Scoop

  • The medulla oblongata contains key centers that automatically regulate heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, without you having to think about it.
  • It is part of the brainstem , which links the brain to the spinal cord and handles vital life-support functions like heartbeat, breathing, and reflexes such as coughing and swallowing.
  • Within the medulla are cardiovascular and respiratory centers that adjust how fast your heart beats and how deeply and frequently you breathe, based on the body’s needs (for example, during exercise or sleep).

A tiny life-support “hub”

You can think of the medulla oblongata as a built‑in automatic life-support hub.
Even if you are asleep or unconscious, these brainstem centers keep your heart pumping and your lungs working, which is why damage to this area can be life‑threatening.

SEO notes

  • Focus keyword used: what part of the brain controls heart rate and breathing.
  • Meta-style summary: The medulla oblongata in the brainstem houses cardiovascular and respiratory centers that automatically control heart rate and breathing to keep you alive.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.