Medulla

Medulla Me*dul"la, n. [L.] 1. Marrow; pith; hence, essence. [Obs.] --Milton. [1913 Webster]

2. (Anat.) 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. [1913 Webster]

3. (Bot.) A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or branch of a plant; pith. [1913 Webster]

4. See {medulla oblongata}. [PJC]

{Medulla oblongata}. [L., oblong medulla] (Anat.), 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}. [1913 Webster]