Basic survival functions refer to the essential physiological processes that are necessary for an organism's survival, such as hunger, sleep, breathing, and thirst.
Related terms
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is a small region in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating basic survival functions. It acts as the command center for maintaining homeostasis by controlling hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sleep cycles.
Medulla Oblongata: The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brainstem and controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Reticular Formation: The reticular formation is a network of nerve fibers scattered throughout the brainstem that regulates arousal levels and sleep-wake cycles. It helps determine whether we are awake or asleep.