medulla
n 1: a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath
around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers [syn:
myelin, myeline, medulla]
2: lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal
cord; (`bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata); "the
medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because
it contains centers controlling breathing and heart
functioning" [syn: medulla oblongata, medulla, bulb]
3: the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal
[ant: cortex]
medulla noun (plural-lasormedullae)
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin Date: 15th century
1.plural medullaea.bone marrowb.medulla oblongata2.a. the inner or deep part of an animal or plant structure
<the adrenal medulla> b.myelin sheath
medulla n. 1 the inner region of certain organs or tissues usu. when it is distinguishable from the outer region or cortex, as in hair or a kidney. 2 the myelin layer of certain nerve
fibres. 3 the soft internal tissue of plants. Phrases and idioms: medulla oblongata the continuation of the spinal cord within the skull, forming the lowest part of the brain
stem. Derivatives: medullary adj. Etymology: L, = pith, marrow, prob. rel. to medius middle
medulla
meˈdʌlə n. 1 the inner region of certain organs or tissues
usu. when it is distinguishable from the outer region or cortex, as in hair
or a kidney. 2 the myelin layer of certain nerve fibres. 3 the soft internal
tissue of plants. ømedulla oblongata the continuation of the spinal cord
within the skull, forming the lowest part of the brain stem. øømedullary
adj. [L, = pith, marrow, prob. rel. to medius middle]
Medulla \Me*dul"la\, n. [L.]
1. Marrow; pith; hence, essence. [Obs.] --Milton.
2. (Anat.) The marrow of bones; the deep or inner portion of
an organ or part; as, the medulla, or medullary substance,
of the kidney; specifically, the medula oblongata.
3. (Bot.) A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or
branch of a plant; pith.
Medulla oblongata. [L., oblong medulla] (Anat.), the
posterior part of the brain connected with the spinal
cord. It includes all the hindbrain except the cerebellum
and pons, and from it a large part of the cranial nerves
arise. It controls very largely respiration, circulation,
swallowing, and other functions, and is the most vital
part of the brain; -- called also bulb of the spinal
cord}. See Brain.
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