Medulla Oblongata
The medulla is the higher section of the brain stem. Its functions are breathing, swallowing, and heart rate. If you damaged your medulla it could lead to death.
Interesting Facts
* The medulla is the hardest type of brain damage to cure because of all the functions the medulla has.
* The functions of the medulla are involuntary meaning they can work without you having to think about it. Can you imagine having to tell your heart to pump?
* Because the medulla is part of the brain stem, it helps transfer neural messages from the brain to the spinal cord.
* The medulla is in the brain stem along with the pons.