Noun: medulla oblongata
- Lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord
"the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centres controlling breathing and heart functioning";
- medulla, bulb [archaic]
Derived forms: medulla oblongatas
Type of: neural structure
Part of: brain stem, brainstem, brain-stem
Encyclopedia: Medulla oblongata