Death was elucidated as the "irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions" (Maier 7). ... Decerebrate brain death entails the cessation of function in all areas of the brain. ... Neocortical death is the cessation of function in advanced areas of the brain, primarily the cortex. The cortex dies first when the brain is deprived of oxygen, and then the midbrain, and finally, the brainstem. ... However, patients can breathe because the brainstem is the last thing to die. ...

• Word Count: 2895
• Approx Pages: 12
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

REM sleep, although not fully understood, is a crucial and necessary function of life. ... After studies of the same caliber were performed on cats, it was concluded that the strange eye oscillations must perform some important, perhaps essential, biological function. ... (Poole 346) It is a segment of the brainstem at the base of the skull called the pons. ...

• Word Count: 2618
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School