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Nomadic tribesman controlling vital area? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brainstem

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'controlling vital area?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both body parts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'nomadic tribesman' is the wordplay.
'nomadic' indicates anagramming the letters.
'tribesman' is an anagram of 'BRAINSTEM'.

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I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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