Perceiving pain and assisting in regulating muscle reflexes, breathing, and arousal are all functions of the a. cerebral cortex b. medulla c. reticular formation d. pons

The brain stem consists of the medulla, pons, and mesencephalon. It contains sensory and motor nuclei that performs motor and sensory functions for the face and head regions. It also provides many special control functions:
1. control of respiration
2. control of cardiovascular system
3. control of equilibrium
4. control of eye movements
5. control of many stereotyped movements of the body
6. partial control of gastrointestinal function

The correct answer is d