In vertebrate anatomy, the brainstem structurally joins and continues with the brain and spinal cord. Cranial nerves originate from the brainstem, which provides main motor and sensory innervations to the face and neck. Though it is a small structure, a vital portion of the brain as the motor and sensory from the brain passes through the brainstem, connecting with the peripheral nervous system. The motor and sensory nerves give rise to fine touch, vibration sensitivity, and proprioception, and the spinothalamic tract controls pain, temperature, itch, and crude touch. The brain stem also regulates cardiac and respiratory functions. Additionally, the brainstem regulates the central nervous system (CNS) and is critical to maintaining consciousness and sleep cycle.