Brainstem. Light micrograph of a cross-section through the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. The brainstem is the lower part of the brain, connecting it to the spinal cord. It has three areas: the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata. The medulla is the lower part of the brainstem. The main areas seen here are the formatio reticularis (upper centre), the lemniscus medialis (lower centre), the piramis and tractus corticospinalis (lower right and lower left) and the pedunculus cerebellaris inferior (upper right and upper left). The brainstem deals with subconscious functions, such as breathing and blood pressure. Magnification: x25 when printed 10cm wide.