Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The medulla oblongata or MYELENCEPHALON is the most caudal part of the BRAINSTEM. It merges with the PONS rostrally and the SPINAL CORD caudally and contains sensory and motor nuclei that contribute to the fifth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth CRANIAL NERVES.
The RETICULAR FORMATION forms the core of the medulla. Its neurons receive diverse inputs and, in turn, send ascending, descending and propriobulbar (intramedullary) connections that provide the anatomical substrates for coordinated activity of cranial nerve nuclei and AUTONOMIC integration. The sensory and motor decussations of the MEDIAL LEMNISCUS and PYRAMIDAL TRACT (see DECUSSATION) are located in the caudal medulla oblongata.
DAVID A.HOPKINS
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