Which part of the brain is responsible for basic life functions?

The brain stem is responsible for basic life functions because it plays a crucial role in regulating essential bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It connects the brain to the spinal cord and serves as a pathway for all the nerve signals between the brain and the body. The brain stem is composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata, with the medulla oblongata being particularly important for vital autonomic functions, including the control of respiration and cardiovascular responses.

The thalamus, while involved in relaying sensory information and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, is not primarily responsible for basic life functions. The cerebrum, which is involved in higher brain functions including learning, memory, and voluntary muscle movements, also does not manage basic life processes. The basal ganglia are involved in the regulation of voluntary motor movements, but they are not directly responsible for life-sustaining functions. Thus, the brain stem is the correct answer as it directly oversees the processes necessary for survival.