Found 2 items, similar to medulla oblongata.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: medulla oblongata medulla oblongata n : lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord; (`bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata); “the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning” [syn: medulla, bulb]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Medulla oblongata Medulla \Me*dul"la\, n. [L.] 1. Marrow; pith; hence, essence. [Obs.] --Milton. [1913 Webster] 2. (Anat.) The marrow of bones; the deep or inner portion of an organ or part; as, the medulla, or medullary substance, of the kidney; specifically, the medula oblongata. [1913 Webster] 3. (Bot.) A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or branch of a plant; pith. [1913 Webster] 4. See medulla oblongata. [PJC] Medulla oblongata. [L., oblong medulla] (Anat.), the posterior part of the brain connected with the spinal cord. It includes all the hindbrain except the cerebellum and pons, and from it a large part of the cranial nerves arise. It controls very largely respiration, circulation, swallowing, and other functions, and is the most vital part of the brain; -- called also bulb of the spinal cord . See Brain. [1913 Webster]