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

Posteriorly is situated the hind-brain, now consisting of the medulla oblongata and cerebellum.

From Project Gutenberg

In Scyllium, however, indications appear in the hind-brain of its future division into a cerebellum and medulla oblongata.

From Project Gutenberg

It reduces the librarian to a medulla oblongata, so far as I am able to understand the psychology of the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

And, on the other hand, the vertical strands are notably increased in their passage through the field of the medulla oblongata.

From Project Gutenberg

The medulla oblongata with its reticular ganglion seems to be the great rhythmic centre.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• head
• intellect
• mind