1. Health

What Is the Medulla Oblongata?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated January 07, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: An important part of the brainstem which contains multiple neural centers that control reflexive brain activities, such as breathing, swallowing, blood pressure control, among others.

The medulla also contains important nerve bundles that carry orders from the brain to the body, and sensory information from the body back to the brain.

Strokes that affect the medulla can be extremely dangerous.

Also Known As: Medulla
  1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Stroke
  4. Glossary
  5. Medulla - Definition of Medulla Oblongata

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.