Which portion of the brain is located closest to the spinal cord?

A. hypothalamus

B. cerebrum

C. cerebellum

D. brain stem

The brain stem is the part of the brain that is closest to the spinal cord. This part provides the main motory and sensory nerves to the face and neck and motor and sensory systems for the rest of the body pass through this region of the brain. This part plays an important role in cardiac and respiratory function. Many other subconscious functions are also under control of this region.