Medulla Oblongata

Medulla Oblongata

The Medulla Oblongata is a part of the brainstem that connects the pons and the spinal cord. It is responsible for controlling several basic functions of the autonomic nervous system, including respiration, cardiac function, vasodilation, and reflexes such as vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing.

Structure

The medulla oblongata is located in the brainstem, anterior and partially inferior to the cerebellum. It is a cone-shaped neuronal mass responsible for autonomic (involuntary) functions ranging from vomiting to sneezing. The medulla contains the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting and vasomotor centers and therefore deals with the autonomic functions of breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

Function

The medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions and connects the higher levels of the brain to the spinal cord. It also controls the reflexes for swallowing, sneezing, coughing, and vomiting. The medulla oblongata also helps transfer messages to the spinal cord and the thalamus in the brain from the body.

Clinical significance

Damage to the medulla oblongata can be deadly, because the damaged medulla oblongata can cause loss of breathing, heart function, or the ability to swallow. Sometimes this area is damaged by stroke, causing difficulties with heart rate, breathing, and other autonomic functions.

See also

• Brainstem
• Pons
• Spinal cord
• Autonomic nervous system
• Respiration (physiology)
• Cardiac function
• Vasodilation
• Reflex

External links

• Britannica: Medulla Oblongata

Medulla Oblongata Resources
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