The hindbrain is the lowest part of the human brain and has three parts: pons, cerebellum and medulla (medulla oblongata). Pons carries fibre tracts that connect different brain regions, the cerebellum has a folded surface to fit more neurons and controls posture and balance, and the medulla controls respiration, cardiovascular reflexes and gastric secretions. Memory hook: "Pons Connects, Cerebellum Balances, Medulla Keeps you Alive" (breathing + heartbeat).
The hindbrain has three parts: cerebellum (posture and balance), pons (connects brain regions), and medulla (respiration, cardiovascular reflexes, gastric secretions). Note pons and medulla are part of the brainstem, but the cerebellum is not.
Your doubts, answered
What are the three parts of the hindbrain?
The hindbrain comprises three parts: pons, cerebellum and medulla (also called medulla oblongata). This is the exact NCERT order and wording. A common mistake is to include the midbrain in the hindbrain, but the midbrain is a separate major part of the brain that sits above the pons.
Which part of the hindbrain controls breathing and heartbeat?
The medulla oblongata does. NCERT states the medulla contains centres which control respiration, cardiovascular reflexes and gastric secretions. That is why the medulla is called a vital centre, damage to it can be fatal. Remember: Medulla = life-support centre.
What is the job of the pons?
Pons consists of fibre tracts that interconnect different regions of the brain, in simple words it acts like a bridge (its name means bridge). In NEET matching questions, Pons is paired with 'connects different regions of the brain', not with balance or breathing.
Why does the cerebellum have a folded (convoluted) surface?
NCERT says the cerebellum has a very convoluted surface in order to provide the additional space for many more neurons. This folding increases the surface area so more neurons fit in a small space. The cerebellum controls posture and balance and integrates information from the semicircular canals of the ear.
Is the cerebellum part of the hindbrain or the forebrain?
The cerebellum is part of the hindbrain, not the forebrain. The forebrain has the cerebrum, thalamus and hypothalamus. Students confuse cerebrum (forebrain, thinking and voluntary actions) with cerebellum (hindbrain, balance and posture) because the names sound alike.
Is the pons part of the brainstem? Is the cerebellum?
The brainstem is made of midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata. So pons and medulla ARE part of the brainstem, but the cerebellum is NOT. This is a favourite NEET trap: cerebellum belongs to the hindbrain but is excluded from the brainstem.
⚠️ The NEET trap ✗ Brainstem = pons, cerebellum and medulla (copying the hindbrain list). ✓ Brainstem = midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata. The cerebellum is part of the hindbrain but is NOT counted in the brainstem, and the midbrain (a separate main part) IS counted in the brainstem. 🧠 Hindbrain parts vs Brainstem parts are NOT the same list.
Real NEET questions
2023
Brainstem of human brain consists of:
A · Thalamus, Hypothalamus and Corpora quadrigemina
B · Amygdala, Hippocampus and Corpus Callosum
C · Mid-brain, Pons and Medulla Oblongata ✓
D · Forebrain, Cerebellum and Pons
Solution: NCERT states that three major regions make up the brain stem: midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata, and the brain stem forms the connection between the brain and the spinal cord. Note the cerebellum is NOT part of the brainstem even though it is part of the hindbrain.
2024
Given below are two statements. Statement I: The cerebral hemispheres are connected by a nerve tract known as corpus callosum. Statement II: The brain stem consists of the medulla oblongata, pons and cerebrum.
A · Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
B · Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect ✓
C · Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
D · Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
Solution: Statement I is correct, the two cerebral hemispheres are joined by the corpus callosum. Statement II is incorrect, the brainstem is made of midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata, not cerebrum. The cerebrum is part of the forebrain, so only Statement I is correct.
2024
Match List I with List II: A. Pons, B. Hypothalamus, C. Medulla, D. Cerebellum with I. Provides additional space for neurons, regulates posture and balance, II. Controls respiration and gastric secretions, III. Connects different regions of the brain, IV. Neurosecretory cells.
A · A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I ✓
B · A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
C · A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
D · A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
Solution: Pons connects different regions of the brain (III); hypothalamus has neurosecretory cells (IV); medulla controls respiration and gastric secretions (II); cerebellum provides extra space for neurons and regulates posture and balance (I). So the match is A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I.
Solved Neural Control and Coordination NEET PYQs
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
The medulla contains centres which control respiration, cardiovascular reflexes and gastric secretions. It also connects the brain to the spinal cord, so it is a vital life-support region.
What does the pons do?
Pons consists of fibre tracts that interconnect different regions of the brain. In NEET, pons is matched with 'connects different regions of the brain'.
What does the cerebellum control?
The cerebellum controls posture and balance. It integrates information received from the semicircular canals of the ear and the auditory system, and has a convoluted surface to hold more neurons.
Which parts of the hindbrain are in the brainstem?
Only the pons and medulla oblongata from the hindbrain are part of the brainstem. The brainstem is midbrain + pons + medulla. The cerebellum is excluded.
Where is the respiratory rhythm centre located?
The respiratory rhythm centre is in the medulla region, while the pneumotaxic centre that moderates it is in the pons region. This links the hindbrain directly to breathing control in NEET questions.
