The medulla oblongata is a part of the brainstem that connects the brain to the spinal cord. It is responsible for regulating many of the bodys most important functions, including heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion. The medulla oblongata is divided into two main parts: the ventral medulla and the dorsal medulla. The ventral medulla contains a pair of triangular structures called pyramids, within which lie the pyramidal tracts. The dorsal medulla, also known as the tegmentum, contains many nuclei and tracts that have information from the spinal cord as well as the higher cortex. The medulla oblongata is also responsible for relaying information between the spinal cord and brain. Damage to the medulla oblongata can lead to various problems, including breathing difficulties, tongue dysfunction, vomiting, loss of gag, sneeze, or cough reflex, problems swallowing, loss of muscle control, balance problems, uncontrollable hiccups, and loss of sensation in limbs, torso, or face.