Which part of the brain is responsible for basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate?

The hindbrain is responsible for regulating basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate. This part of the brain includes critical structures like the medulla oblongata and the pons, which play vital roles in autonomic functions. The medulla oblongata is particularly important as it controls involuntary functions, including the regulation of heartbeat and respiration.

Understanding the specific functions attributed to different parts of the brain helps clarify the importance of the hindbrain in maintaining essential physiological processes necessary for survival. In contrast, other brain regions such as the cerebral cortex are primarily involved in higher cognitive functions, the frontal lobe in decision-making and personality, and the cerebellum in coordination and balance, rather than in the direct control of life-sustaining activities.