Medulla Oblongata : It is the lowest part of the brain that exists in continuation of the spinal cord. It contains neural centres, which regulate basic life supporting activities like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. This is why medulla is known as the vital centre of the brain. It has some centres of autonomic activities also.
Pons : It is connected with medulla on one side and with the midbrain on the other. A nucleus (neural centre) of pons receives auditory signals relayed by our ears. It is believed that pons is involved in sleep mechanism, particularly the sleep characterised by dreaming. It contains nuclei affecting respiratory movement and facial expressions also.
Cerebellum : This highly developed part of the hindbrain can be easily recognised by its wrinkled surface. It maintains and controls posture and equilibrium of the body. Its main function is coordination of muscular movements. Though the motor commands originate in the forebrain, the cerebellum receives and coordinates them to relay to the muscles. It also stores the memory of movement patterns so that we do not have to concentrate on how to walk, dance, or ride a bicycle.
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