Which structure in the brain controls heart rate and blood pressure?

The medulla oblongata is a critical structure located in the brainstem that plays a vital role in autonomic functions, including the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. It contains the cardiovascular center, which integrates sensory input from the body, such as blood pressure and oxygen levels, and adjusts heart rate and vessel diameter accordingly to maintain homeostasis. By modulating the activity of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, the medulla oblongata effectively responds to changes in physiological demands, ensuring adequate blood flow and pressure during various activities, such as exercise or rest.

Other brain structures, such as the cerebrum, are primarily involved in higher functions like thought, emotion, and voluntary movement. The cerebellum is mainly responsible for coordination and balance, while the hypothalamus regulates various autonomic processes, including temperature and hunger but does not directly control heart rate and blood pressure in the same way the medulla oblongata does. Hence, the medulla oblongata is essential for autonomic regulation of cardiovascular functions.