medulla oblongata
Save This Word!
noun, plural medulla oblongatas, medullae oblongatae.Anatomy.
the lowest or hindmost part of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of medulla oblongata
1670–80; <New Latin: the long medulla
Words nearby medulla oblongata
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for medulla oblongata
British Dictionary definitions for medulla oblongata
medulla oblongata
/ (ˌɒblɒŋˈɡɑːtə) /
noun plural medulla oblongatas or medullae oblongatae (mɪˈdʌliː ˌɒblɒŋˈɡɑːtiː)
the lower stalklike section of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord, containing control centres for the heart and lungs
Word Origin for medulla oblongata
C17: New Latin: oblong-shaped medulla
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for medulla oblongata
medulla oblongata
[ ŏb′lŏng-gā′tə, -gä′tə ]
n. pl. medulla ob•lon•ga•tas
The lowermost portion of the vertebrate brain, continuous with the spinal cord and responsible for the control of respiration, circulation, and other bodily functions.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for medulla oblongata
medulla oblongata
[ ŏb′lông-gä′tə ]
Plural medulla oblongatas medullae oblongatae (ŏb′lông-gä′tē)
The lowermost portion of the brainstem in humans and other mammals. It is important in the reflex control of involuntary processes, including respiration, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.