-ˌäˌblȯŋˈgäd.ə noun
( plural medulla oblongatas or medullae oblonga·tae -äd.ˌē)
Etymology: New Latin, literally, oblong medulla
: the somewhat pyramidal last part of the vertebrate brain developed from the posterior portion of the rhombencephalon 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) — see brain illustration