Medulla oblongata

medulla ob·lon·ga·ta (blng-gt, -gät)

n. pl. medulla ob·lon·ga·tas or medullae ob·lon·ga·tae (-gt, -gät)

The lowermost portion of the vertebrate brain, continuous with the spinal cord and responsible for the control of respiration, circulation, and other bodily functions.

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Medulla oblongata

The lowest section of the brainstem, located next to the spinal cord. The medulla is the site of important cardiac and respiratory regulatory centers.

Mentioned in: Anesthesia, General

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medulla oblongata (mdul´ oblôngä´t),

n the direct upward extension of the spinal cord that lies at the junction between the cerebrum and the spinal cord and is considered to be in a group with the pons and midbrain because the nuclei of all the cranial nerves except one are situated within this structural group. Its functions are associated with the nuclei of the glossopharyngeal, vagal, spinal accessory, and hypoglossal nerves. It controls the reflex actions of the pharynx, larynx, and tongue, which are related to deglutition, mastication, and speech, as well as the visceral reflexes of coughing, sneezing, sucking, vomiting, and salivating, and other secretory functions.