Main Entry: medulla ob·lon·ga·ta

Pronunciation: \-ˌäb-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgät-ə\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural medulla oblongatas or medullae ob·lon·ga·tae \-ˈgät-ē, -ˈgä-ˌtī\

: 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)

[medulla oblongata illustration]