The medulla oblongata is part of the brainstem that connects the brain and spinal cord. It transmits important signals the body needs to function. The medulla oblongata has many important features and functions.

Understanding the Context

It is a conduit for many ascending and descending nerve tracts that carry the information between the brain and spinal cord. Space.com: Cosmic 'brain' ponders the cosmos in colorful new photo of the Medulla Nebula Cosmic 'brain' ponders the cosmos in colorful new photo of the Medulla Nebula Your medulla is the bottom-most part of your brain, connecting to your spinal cord through the foramen magnum, an opening at the bottom of your skull. Just above your medulla is your pons, which is just below the central structures in your brain. The medulla plays a central role in regulating several involuntary, life-sustaining functions.

Key Insights

It contains specialized centers that manage breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The medulla is the most caudal aspect of the brainstem, approximately at the level of the foramen magnum. Anterior to the medulla oblongata is the median fissure, which connects with the median fissure of the spinal cord. The medulla oblongata (or just medulla) is the region known as the myelencephalon in the embryonic brain. The initial portion of the name, “myel,” refers to the significant white matter found in this region—especially on its exterior, which is continuous with the white matter of the spinal cord.

Final Thoughts

The medulla oblongata or simply medulla is a long stem-like structure which makes up the lower part of the brainstem. [1] It is anterior and partially inferior to the cerebellum. Your medulla oblongata helps pass messages between your spinal cord and brain. Learn more about this essential organ, along with diseases that may affect it.