medulla

[ muh-duhl-uh ]

noun

, plural me·dul·las, me·dul·lae [m, uh, -, duhl, -ee].

1. Anatomy.
   1. the marrow of the bones.
   2. the soft, marrowlike center of an organ, as the kidney or adrenal gland.
   3. medulla oblongata.
2. Botany. the pith of plants.

medulla

/ mɪˈdʌlə /

noun

1. anatomy
   1. the innermost part of an organ or structure
   2. short for medulla oblongata
2. botany another name for pith

medulla

/ mĭ-dŭl′ə,mĭ-do̅o̅′lə /

, Plural medullas mĭ-dŭl′ē

1. See medulla oblongata
2. The central portion of an anatomical structure, such as the adrenal gland or the kidney.

Derived Forms

• meˈdullary, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of medulla¹

1635–45; < Latin: marrow, pith

Word History and Origins

Origin of medulla¹

C17: from Latin: marrow, pith, probably from medius middle

Example Sentences

For example, when the medulla is active, it initiates breathing.

From Science Daily

The innermost, or core layer, is the medulla.

From Scientific American

The library nearly resembles the shape of a brain, with the entrance being the medulla oblongata and the robust flooring as the cerebellum.

From Los Angeles Times

MTC arises from the medulla inside the thyroid gland, which contains C cells.

From Washington Post

Another part of the brain, the medulla oblongata, gets in touch with the heart, which increases its rate and the amount of blood pumped per beat.

From Science Magazine