noun
medulla
The lower part of the brainstem that controls vital automatic functions.
The medulla connects the brain with the spinal cord.
Etymology
Latin medulla means marrow or inner substance. Anatomy extended the term to internal tissue, and medulla here shortens medulla oblongata for the lower brainstem.
More examples
- The lecture described the medulla’s role in breathing.
- The scan included the lower brainstem and medulla.
- The diagram marked the medulla below the pons.
Forms
medulla · medullas · medullae
Similar words
- brainstem
- The brainstem includes the medulla and other structures; the medulla is its lowest major part.
- pons
- The pons is another part of the brainstem, located above the medulla.