medulla oblongata

noun
medulla ob·​lon·​ga·​ta | \ -ˌä-ˌblȯŋ-ˈgä-tə How to pronounce medulla oblongata (audio) \
plural medulla oblongatas or medullae oblongatae\ -​ˌä-​ˌblȯŋ-​ˈgä-​tē How to pronounce medullae oblongatae (audio) , -​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

First Known Use of medulla oblongata

1668, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for medulla oblongata

New Latin, literally, oblong medulla

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More Definitions for medulla oblongata

medulla oblongata

noun
me·​dul·​la ob·​lon·​ga·​ta | \ mə-ˈdə-lə-ˌä-ˌblȯŋ-ˈgä-tə How to pronounce medulla oblongata (audio) \

Kids Definition of medulla oblongata

: 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

medulla oblongata

noun
medulla ob·​lon·​ga·​ta | \ -ˌäb-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgät-ə How to pronounce medulla oblongata (audio) \
plural medulla oblongatas or medullae oblongatae\ -​ˈgät-​ē How to pronounce medullae oblongatae (audio) , -​ˈgä-​ˌtī How to pronounce medullae oblongatae (audio) \

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)