The medulla oblongata borders the spinal cord.
The medulla oblongata is a segment of the brain stem that is located between the annular pons and the occipital foramen of the skull. The concept, which is used in the field of anatomy , can also be mentioned as medulla oblongata or myelencephalon .
It should be noted that bulb , from the Latin bulbus , is a biological structure in the shape of a blister . The term has several uses and applications, in reference to the nutrient storage organ in certain plants and the electronic component that allows an electrical signal to be amplified or modified, among other issues.
Characteristics of the medulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata, which borders the spinal cord and which can be said to be its continuation, is shaped like a truncated cone with an inferior vertex . An anterior face (with a longitudinal groove), a lateral face and a posterior face (with a medio-posterior groove) can be distinguished.
Another division of the medulla oblongata segments it into the pyramidal decussation , the sensory decussation and an upper part where the bulbar olives are found.
Its functions
Among the functions of the medulla oblongata is the transmission of impulses from the spinal cord to the brain and the control of respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiac and vasoconstrictor activities. The transmission of impulses occurs through various nerve fibers, both ascending and descending.
The medulla oblongata regulates the secretion of digestive juices and performs reflex functions such as swallowing, coughing, sneezing and vomiting, among many others.
Cough is a reflex function regulated by the medulla oblongata.
Problems that can affect the medulla oblongata
There are various health problems that can strongly affect the aforementioned medulla oblongata. Among them are those that are congenital, degenerative, vascular, tumorous, those that have their origin in a metabolic issue and those of an inflammatory-infectious nature.
Specifically, the most common and serious diseases that severely damage this part of the brain in question are the following:
- Multiple system atrophy . Neurodegenerative is this condition that has an unknown cause and usually occurs in adults. An atrophy of the cerebellum is basically its main consequence.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis . One of the most frequent diseases regarding the condition of the medulla oblongata is this which results in what would be an atrophy and subsequent degeneration of the cortico-spinal fibers.
- Multiple sclerosis . Unfortunately, there are numerous cases of people with this pathology that has no cure and which usually appears in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Its main consequence is a notable decrease in mobility, although it can even degenerate into absolute disability.
- Behçet's disease . Ulcers of various kinds and also nodular class lesions are the main manifestations of this disease.
- Cancer of the medulla oblongata . It should be noted that this serious pathology presents various treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. Vision or hearing problems, vomiting, weakness and even lethargy are some of the symptoms it presents.
It should be noted that damage to the medulla oblongata is fatal , causing immediate death from respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest.