The medulla oblongata is positioned at the base of the brain, below the pons and above the spinal cord1,2. It contains both white matter and grey matter – the white matter carries signals between the brain and spinal cord, while the grey matter houses several nuclei that control key functions3. The medulla oblongata regulates several critical bodily functions, including:
- Respiratory control1,2
- Cardiovascular regulation (control of heart rate and blood pressure by regulating the contraction of blood vessels and cardiac muscles)1,2,4
- Some reflexes (such as swallowing, coughing, sneezing, and vomiting)1,4
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