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Dictionary » Medulla oblongata

Medulla oblongata

Introduction: Medulla oblongata

Description of Medulla oblongata

Medulla oblongata: [TA] the most caudal subdivision of the brainstem, immediately continuous with the spinal cord, extending from the lower border of the decussation of the pyramid to the pons; its anterior (ventral) surface resembles that of the spinal cord except for the bilateral prominence of the inferior olive; the posterior (dorsal) surface of its upper half forms part of the floor of the fourth ventricle. Motor nuclei of the medulla oblongata include the hypoglossal nucleus, the dorsal motor nucleus, inferior salivatory nucleus, and the nucleus ambiguus; sensory nuclei include the nuclei of the posterior column (gracile and cuneate), the cochlear and vestibular nuclei, the middle and caudal portions of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract.medulla. SYN: myelencephalon [TA], oblongata.
Source: Stedman's Medical Spellchecker, © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Medulla oblongata: lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord; (`bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata); "the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning".
Source: WordNet 2.1

Medulla oblongata: caudal subdivision of the hindbrain interposed between the spinal cord and the pons; adult derivative of the myelencephalon, the most caudal subdivision of the developing brain; it has two subdivisions the open medulla bordering on the fourth ventricle and the closed medulla which surrounds the rostral part of the central canal.
Source: CRISP

Medulla oblongata: Related Topics

These medical condition or symptom topics may be relevant to medical information for Medulla oblongata:

Medulla oblongata as an Organ

Medulla oblongata (organ): The medulla oblongata is an area of the brain and a part of the brain stem. The medulla oblongata is located anterior to the cerebellum and runs from the spinal cord to the pons. The medulla oblongata plays an important role in the body's vital signs, such as regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. The medulla oblongata also contains the reflex centers fur such reflexes and coughing, sneezing, vomiting and swallowing.

Conditions that can afflict the medulla oblongata include medullary syndrome, lateral medullary infarction, lesions, trauma, birth defects, and infection.

Medulla oblongata (organ): See Medulla Oblongata (organ information).

More information on organs: Medulla Oblongata: