The part of the brain that extends from the brain to the spinal cord is the brainstem , specifically its lowest portion, the medulla oblongata. In basic exam-style questions, this is often simplified to “brainstem” as the structure that connects the brain and spinal cord.

Quick Scoop

  • The brainstem sits at the base of the brain and continues downward to become the spinal cord.
  • Its lowest part, the medulla oblongata , is the direct continuation into the spinal cord through the opening at the base of the skull.
  • The brainstem controls vital automatic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure while serving as the main pathway between the brain and body.

So if a test asks, “Which part of the brain extends from the brain to the spinal cord?” , the safest, most general answer is: the brainstem (more specifically, the medulla oblongata). Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.