Understanding The Medulla Oblongata: Structure, Parts, And Functions

Understanding The Medulla Oblongata: Structure, Parts, And Functions

Medulla oblongata
Answer:

• It is the lowest part of brainstem
• It lies in the anterior part of posterior cranial fossa
• It occupies the infratentorial space

Medulla oblongata vExternal features:

• The medulla is divided into right & left halves by the anterior & posterior median fissures
• Each half is further divided into anterior, lateral & posterior regions
• The anterior region is in the form of a longitudinal elevation called pyramid which is made up of corticospinal fibres
• The upper part of the lateral region shows an oval elevation, tire olive
• The posterolateral region lies between the posterolateral sulcus & the posterior median fissure
• The upper part of this region is marked by a ‘V’ shaped depression
• In the lower part of the medulla, there is another elevation tire tuber cinerium lateral to the “FASCICULUS CUNEATUS”

Medulla oblongata Parts:

• Lower closed part wilh central canal
• Upper open where the central canal opens out to form the fourth ventricle

Medulla oblongata Fibres:

• Corticospinal fibre
  • It form, the pyramid
• External arcuate fibres
  • It crosses the upper part of the pyramid transversely
• Circumolivary bundle
  • This bundle of fibre curves around the lower edge of the olive