medulla
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (3)medullae
- a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibersSynonyms: myelinmyelineType of fatSubstance of medullary sheath, myelin sheath
- lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord; (‘bulb’ is an old term for medulla oblongata)“the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning”Synonyms: medulla oblongatabulbType of neural structurePart of brainstem, brain-stemParts respiratory center
- the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animalOpposite cortexType of animal tissue, plant tissueKinds adrenal medulla
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: L.
1. Marrow; pith; hence, essence. obsolete John Milton
2. Anatomy The marrow of bones; the deep or inner portion of an organ or part; as, the medulla, or medullary substance, of the kidney; specifically, the medula oblongata.
3. Botany A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or branch of a plant; pith.
4. See medulla oblongata.
Medulla oblongata. Anatomy, the posterior part of the brain connected with the spinal cord. It includes all the hindbrain except the cerebellum and pons, and from it a large part of the cranial nerves arise. It controls very largely respiration, circulation, swallowing, and other functions, and is the most vital part of the brain; — called also bulb of the spinal cord. See Brain.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: GCIDE editors