medulla oblongata

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural medulla oblongatas, medullae oblongatae.

1. the lowest or hindmost part of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord.

medulla oblongata

/ ˌɒblɒŋˈɡɑːtə /

noun

1. the lower stalklike section of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord, containing control centres for the heart and lungs

medulla oblongata

/ ŏb′lông-gä′tə /

, Plural medulla oblongatas ŏb′lông-gä′tē

1. The lowermost portion of the brainstem in humans and other mammals. It is important in the reflex control of involuntary processes, including respiration, heartbeat, and blood pressure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of medulla oblongata¹

1670–80; < New Latin: the long medulla

Word History and Origins

Origin of medulla oblongata¹

C17: New Latin: oblong-shaped medulla

Example Sentences

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

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

But, for as much as Vicky can teach her kids about a medulla oblongata, science is a means to an end.

From Los Angeles Times

For years I've had so many factoid stuffed in my head, I think — I'm not sure where my medulla oblongata is, but I think that's the part that's been sore for all these years.

From Salon

The scan showed something unusual: a large “infiltrating” lesion centered in the medulla oblongata, the structure at the lower end of the brainstem that controls breathing and other involuntary functions.

From Reuters

Related Words

• head
• intellect
• mind