Meaning of MEDULLA (OBLONGATA)

WordNet Dictionary
	Definition:		[n]  lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord; (`bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata); "the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning"
	Synonyms:		bulb, medulla
	See Also:		hindbrain, neural structure, respiratory center, rhombencephalon
Medical Dictionary
	Definition:		Lowest part of the brain-stem, located just above the spinal cord, at the exit from the skull, and containing centres for vital functions.
Biology Dictionary
	Definition:		A cone of nerve tissue that rises from the spinal cord and becomes part of the brain stem; it regulates basic body functions such as respiration and circulation.