Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Medulla
Me-dul′la
,Noun.
[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
; specifically, the medula oblongata. medulla
, or medullary substance, of the kidney3.
(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
.