Page 50 - Human anatomy COMPLETELY DONE1

DEPARTMENTS OF THE HUMAN BRAIN AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
The medulla oblongata, the midbrain (with a bridge) and the cerebellum make up the
posterior brain, the intermediate brain and the large hemispheres – the forebrain.
The medulla oblongata, the bridge and the midbrain together make up the brainstem.
At the level of the forebrain, the brain consists of two separate hemispheres connected
by special brain structures.

12 pairs of cranial nerves are connected to the brain stem, which connect the brain with
sensory organs, muscles and glands located mainly in the head area. One of the pairs of
cranial nerves, called the vagus nerve, connects the brain with many internal organs:
the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines and others.
The medulla oblongata (figure 33).

Figure 33. The medulla oblongata

The medulla oblongata is a continuation of the spinal cord, borders on the bridge
at the top, performs conducting and reflex functions. All the pathways connecting the
neurons of the spinal cord with the parts of the brain pass through it. Thanks to this, the
coordinated functioning of the entire central nervous system is achieved.
By its origin, the medulla oblongata is the oldest thickening of the anterior end
of the neural tube, here are the centers of regulation of many vital processes (respiration,
blood circulation). Damage to the medulla oblongata leads to death.
In the medulla oblongata are:
the respiratory center, its neurons respond to an increase in the level of carbon

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