medulla oblongata

noun medulla ob·lon·ga·ta \-ˌä-ˌblȯŋ-ˈgä-tə\

plural medulla oblongatas or medullae ob·lon·ga·tae \-ˈgä-tē, -ˌtī\

Definition of MEDULLA OBLONGATA

: the part of the vertebrate brain that is continuous posteriorly with the spinal cord and that contains the centers controlling involuntary vital functions — see brain illustration

See medulla oblongata defined for kids

Origin of MEDULLA OBLONGATA

New Latin, literally, oblong medulla

First Known Use: 1668

MEDULLAE OBLONGATAE Defined for Kids

medulla oblongata

noun me·dul·la ob·lon·ga·ta \mə-ˈdə-lə-ˌä-ˌblȯŋ-ˈgä-tə\

Definition of MEDULLA OBLONGATA for Kids

: the part of the brain that joins the spinal cord and is concerned especially with control of involuntary activities (as breathing and beating of the heart) necessary for life

Medical Dictionary

medulla oblongata

noun medulla ob·lon·ga·ta \-ˌäb-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgät-ə\

plural medulla oblongatas or medullae ob·lon·ga·tae \-ˈgät-ē, -ˈgä-ˌtī\

Medical Definition of MEDULLA OBLONGATA

: the somewhat pyramidal last part of the vertebrate brain developed from the posterior portion of the hindbrain and continuous posteriorly with the spinal cord, enclosing the fourth ventricle, and containing nuclei associated with most of the cranial nerves, major fiber tracts and decussations that link spinal with higher centers, and various centers mediating the control of involuntary vital functions (as respiration)