Medulla

Also known as:  Medulla Oblongata;  Myelencephalon

The Medulla is a component of the Brain Stem.  Although the Medulla is functionally classified as the lowest segment of the Brain Stem, it can also be considered physically as the uppermost portion of the Spinal Cord.  It is the lowest of the three components of the Brain Stem.

Nervous System

 The Medulla relays information between the Cerebral Hemispheres of the Cerebrum to the Spinal Cord.

 Various Cranial Nerves enter/exit the Brain via the Medulla including:

 Abducens Nerve (Cranial Nerve VI)

 Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)

 Acoustic Nerve (Cranial Nerve VIII)

 Glossopharyngeal Nerve (Cranial Nerve IX)

 Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)

 Accessory Nerve (Cranial Nerve XI)

 Hypoglossal Nerve (Cranial Nerve XII)

 The Medulla contains Opioid Receptors.

Neurotransmitters

 The Soma (Cell Bodies) of many of the Neurons that utilize Norepinephrine (NE) are located within the Medulla.

Smart Drugs

 Centrophenoxine may facilitate the removal of Lipofuscin from the Medulla. 

Lipopigments

 Lipofuscin accumulates in the Medulla and may damage the Medulla.

 Vagal Center