Quick Facts
The myelencephalon (aka medulla oblongata) is the lowest portion of the brain stem and is continuous with the spinal cord. Its upper part forms the floor of the fourth ventricle. It contains important centers involved in the control of breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. It is the site of origin of the vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory and hypoglossal nerves.
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Medulla Oblongata
The medulla oblongata acts as a pipeline for ascending and descending pathways involved in a wide variety of nervous system functions and also as a processor of input from a diverse array of sources located within the periphery as well as from all levels of the nervous system.
