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 most important functions of the body, including heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion. The medulla 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 medulla consists of both myelinated (white matter) and unmyelinated (gray matter) nerve fibers, and the white matter of the medulla is intermingled with the gray matter, giving rise to part of the reticular formation. The medulla also includes multiple nuclei and tracts that have information from the spinal cord as well as the higher cortex. Some of the jobs of the medulla include:

• Managing heart, circulation, and breathing
• Regulating autonomic activities, such as heartbeat and respiration
• Controlling movement and relaying somatic sensory information
• Regulating blood pressure, heart rhythm, breathing, swallowing, hearing, and balance
• Passing on signals from the spinal cord that involve learning and motor coordination
• Detecting hormones that control blood pressure, hunger, thirst, and nausea and vomiting
• Originating cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII

If the medulla is damaged, it can lead to breathing problems, 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.