medulla

American  

[muh-duhl-uh] / məˈdʌl ə /

noun

plural

medullas, medullae

1. Anatomy.

   1. the marrow of the bones.

   2. the soft, marrowlike center of an organ, as the kidney or adrenal gland.

   3. medulla oblongata.

2. Botany. the pith of plants.

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medulla British  

/ mɪˈdʌlə /

noun

1. anatomy

   1. the innermost part of an organ or structure

   2. short for medulla oblongata

2. botany another name for pith

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medulla Scientific  

/ mĭ-dŭl′ə,mĭ-do̅o̅′lə /

plural

medullas

1. See medulla oblongata

2. The central portion of an anatomical structure, such as the adrenal gland or the kidney.

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Other Word Forms

• medullary adjective

Etymology

Origin of medulla

1635–45; < Latin: marrow, pith

Example Sentences

For example, when the medulla is active, it initiates breathing.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2024

The parietal cortex — along with the hypothalamus and medulla — contains GLP-1 receptors.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2024

This layer is also very fragile, but only thick or coarse hairs contain this part – so those with thin or blond hair typically don’t have the medulla layer in their hairs.

From Scientific American • Aug. 16, 2023

The library nearly resembles the shape of a brain, with the entrance being the medulla oblongata and the robust flooring as the cerebellum.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2023

The medulla oblongata with its reticular ganglion seems to be the great rhythmic centre.

From Degeneracy Its Causes, Signs and Results by Talbot, Eugene S.