Injury to the medulla oblongata
Medulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata is a long stem-like structure located in the brainstem. It is anterior and partially inferior to the cerebellum. It is a cone-shaped neuronal mass responsible for autonomic functions ranging from vomiting to sneezing. The medulla contains the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting and vasomotor centers and therefore deals with the autonomic functions of breathing, heart rate and blood pressure …
Is damage to the medulla oblongata fatal?
Damage to these areas can result in problems with breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, any of which might be fatal. However, whether the damage is fatal (or not) depends on the location and extent of the damage. Damage that is restricted to a portion of the medulla oblongata is compatible with life.
What does the medulla oblongata do for your brain?
Your medulla oblongata makes up just 0.5% of the total weight of your brain, but it plays a vital role in regulating those involuntary processes. Without this vital section of your brain, your body and brain wouldn’t be able to communicate with each other.
How does the medulla oblongata communicate with the spinal column?
In this process, the medulla oblongata becomes the conduit through which the spinal column and brain send signals to each other. Without this connection, the spinal column and peripheral nervous system would not be able to communicate with each other.
What does the medulla oblongata look like?
Your medulla oblongata looks like a rounded bulge at the end of your brain stem, or the part of your brain that connects with your spinal cord. It also lies in front of the part of your brain called the cerebellum.
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What happens if your Medulla Oblongata is damaged?
If your medulla oblongata becomes damaged, it can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis, or loss of sensation. Last medically reviewed on June 1, 2020.
What happens if you damage the left side of your medulla?
If you damage the left side of your medulla, it will lead to loss of motor function to the right side of your body. Similarly, if the right side of the medulla is damaged, it will affect the left side of your body.
What is the hole in the brain that lets the spinal cord pass through?
It also lies in front of the part of your brain called the cerebellum. Your cerebellum looks like a tiny brain joined onto the back of your brain. In fact, its name literally translates to “little brain” from Latin. The hole in your skull that lets your spinal cord pass through is called your foramen magnum.
What is the condition that affects the back portion of the brain?
Dejerine Syndrome. Dejerine syndrome or medial medullary syndrome is a rare condition that affects less than 1% of people who have strokes that affect the back portion of their brain. Symptoms include: weakness of the arm and leg on the opposite side of the brain damage.
What is bilateral medial medullary syndrome?
Bilateral medial medullary syndrome is a rare complication from a stroke. Only a fraction of 1%#N#Trusted Source#N#of people with strokes in the rear part of their brain develop this condition. Symptoms include:
Where is the Medulla Oblongata located?
Your medulla oblongata is located at the base of your brain, where the brain stem connects the brain to your spinal cord. It plays an essential role in passing messages between your spinal cord and brain. It’s also essential for regulating your cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Where is the medulla located?
Your medulla oblongata is located at about the same level or slightly above this hole. The top of your medulla creates the floor of the fourth ventricle of your brain. Ventricles are cavities filled with cerebral spinal fluid that help provide your brain with nutrients.
Why is the Medulla Oblongata important?
Because the medulla oblongata is primarily responsible for carrying out various autonomic functions, it is considered the most important part of the brain by BrainMadeSimple.com. Surgeons must be extremely careful to avoid damaging the medulla oblongata during brain surgery.
What is the function of the Medulla Oblongata?
The medulla oblongata is a small part of the brain stem, about 1.5 inches in length, that regulates a number of autonomic processes, such as controlling the diameter of the body’s blood vessels, maintaining heart rate, and controlling reflexes such as swallowing and vomiting. The improper use of medications can also damage the medulla oblongata.
What is the conduit through which the spinal column and brain send signals to each other?
In this process, the medulla oblongata becomes the conduit through which the spinal column and brain send signals to each other. Without this connection, the spinal column and peripheral nervous system would not be able to communicate with each other. ADVERTISEMENT.
Can medulla oblongata be repaired?
While damage to other portions of the brain can often be repaired, damage to the medulla oblongata can be difficult to treat, as the structure is important to so many bodily functions. About.com lists digestion, circulation and sneezing as other important functions of the medulla oblongata.