What is the medulla oblongata?

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The medulla oblongata is called the medulla oblongata. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the lowest part of the brainstem.

Summary

The medulla oblongata is called the medulla oblongata. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the lowest part of the brainstem.

What it is

  • The lowest part of the brainstem.
  • Continuous with the spinal cord below.
  • Contains centers that regulate breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Where it is

  • Between the pons above and the spinal cord below.
  • Just above the foramen magnum.
  • About 3 cm long.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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