Medulla Oblongata
Medulla oblongata is the lower part of the brainstem (lower end of the brain that continues downwards as the spinal cord). It is sometimes simply referred to as medulla. The word “bulbar” is also used in medical clinics for the nerves and associated structures of medulla.
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Cerebellum CerebrumCervical LumbarMedulla Oblongata Pons
Spinal Cord Temporal Lobe SacralThoracic Axon Axon TerminalsDendrite Myelin Sheath Nucleus Pulposus Gray Matter
Spinal Nerve White Matter Corpus CallosumFrontal LobeHypothalamus Occipital Lobe Parietal Lobe Thalamus Cervical Vertebrae Brain Neuron
Medulla Oblongata
LOCATION
Medulla is situated at the floor of the pons (another component of brainstem). It is the lowest structure of the brainstem present at the base of the skull. It has cerebellum a little above and behind it.
BLOOD SUPPLY
Medulla receives its blood supply from a number of arteries and the account of those is gives below:
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The anterior spinal artery supplies the middle portion of the medulla.
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The posterior inferior cerebellar artery supplies the posterolateral part of the medulla.
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The vertebral artery gives direct branches to the medulla. It supplies the region between the other two arteries.
FUNCTIONS
Medulla oblongata is a connection between the brain and spinal cord, and is involved in several functions of brainstem including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and controlling reflex actions. Medulla has various autonomic (involuntary) centers which are the cardiac, respiratory, vasomotor, and vomiting centers.
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