# What is the medulla oblongata?

The medulla oblongata is called the medulla oblongata. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the lowest part of the brainstem.

## What it means

- The lowest part of the brainstem.
- Continuous with the spinal cord below.
- Contains centers that regulate breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

## Action steps

1. Between the pons above and the spinal cord below.
2. Just above the foramen magnum.
3. About 3 cm long.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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