Me*dul"la (?), n. [L.]
1.
Marrow; pith; hence, essence.
[Obs.]
Milton.
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.
3. Bot.
A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or branch of a plant; pith.
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.
© Webster 1913.