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medulla oblongata

me·dul·la ob·lon·ga·ta [ mə dùllə ob long gtə ] (plural me·dul·la ob·lon·ga·tas or me·dul·lae ob·lon·ga·tae [ mə dù l ob long g tee ])


noun 
Definition:
 
lower part of brain: the lowermost part of the brain in vertebrates. It is continuous with the spinal cord and controls involuntary vital functions such as those involved with the heart and lungs.

[< Latin, literally "prolonged marrow"]
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