what is medulla oblongata?

Question

part of brain stem

Answer 1

The medulla oblongata is the lower portion of the brainstem. By anatomical terms of location, it is rostral to the spinal cord and caudal to the pons, which is in turn ventral to the cerebellum. For a human or other bipedal species, this means it is above the spinal cord, below the pons, and anterior to the cerebellum. It controls autonomic functions and relays nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord.
The medulla is often thought of as being in two parts, an open part (close to the pons), and a closed part (further down towards the spinal cord). The 'opening' referred to is on the dorsal side of the medulla, and forms part of the fourth ventricle of the brain.

The base of the medulla is defined by the commissural fibres, crossing over from the ipsilateral side in the spinal cord to the contralateral side in the brain stem - below this is the spinal cord.

The Medulla oblongata is responsible for controlling several major autonomic functions of the body, including respiration, blood pressure, heart rate, and reflex arcs.
VR

Answer 2

The Medulla Oblongata (spinal bulb).—The medulla oblongata extends from the lower margin of the pons to a plane passing transversely below the pyramidal decussation and above the first pair of cervical nerves; this plane corresponds with the upper border of the atlas behind, and the middle of the odontoid process of the axis in front; at this level the medulla oblongata is continuous with the medulla spinalis. Its anterior surface is separated from the basilar part of the occipital bone and the upper part of the odontoid process by the membranes of the brain and the occipitoaxial ligaments. Its posterior surface is received into the fossa between the hemispheres of the cerebellum, and the upper portion of it forms the lower part of the floor of the fourth ventricle. 2
The medulla oblongata is pyramidal in shape, its broad extremity being directed upward toward the pons, while its narrow, lower end is continuous with the medulla spinalis. It measures about 3 cm. in length, about 2 cm. in breadth at its widest part, and about 1.25 cm. in thickness. The central canal of the medulla spinalis is prolonged into its lower half, and then opens into the cavity of the fourth ventricle; the medulla oblongata may therefore be divided into a lower closed part containing the central canal, and an upper open part corresponding with the lower portion of the fourth ventricle.

Answer 3

I have been put down all my life for having a smaller than average medulla oblongata. So I have made a conscience effort to exercise it daily. But, I find when I use it to much it leaves my head hurting and sore. Thanks for asking, but I do know how to use it, although maybe smaller than others, it still get the job done when the job is worth doing.

Answer 4

It's the lowest part of the brain in vertebrates.
It is a continuation of the the spinal cord.
It controls involuntary body functions like the ones involved with your heart beating and your lungs breathing.

Answer 5

Yes, it is the small part of the brain at the base of the skull/top of spinal cord.
It controls the involuntary functions of the body: heart beat, breathing, etc. (things that you don't think about that still occur)
If it weren't for this part of the brain, you would suffocate when you went to sleep, because you wouldn't think to breathe. Or your heart would stop. Or you would never wake up, because nothing would signal your body to "reactivate".

Answer 6

medulla oblongata - the lower portion of the brainstem (the lower part of the brain).

Answer 7

Brainstem

Answer 8

something behind your head...
it's function is for balancing your body...ahaks