What is the medulla oblongata and where is it located?

The medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brainstem, directly continuing from the spinal cord. It extends from the foramen magnum to the pons, lying in the posterior cranial fossa.

What are the key external features of the medulla oblongata?

Key external features include pyramids (corticospinal fibers), olives (inferior olivary nuclei), decussation of pyramids (fiber crossing), and grooves for cranial nerves IX–XII rootlets.

How is the internal structure of the medulla organized at different levels?

The internal structure varies by level: at decussation of pyramids, corticospinal fibers cross; at sensory decussation, gracile and cuneate nuclei form the medial lemniscus; at the level of olives, it includes the inferior olivary nucleus and cranial nerve nuclei.

Which cranial nerves are associated with the medulla oblongata?

The medulla provides attachment to cranial nerves IX–XII: glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X), accessory (XI), and hypoglossal (XII).

What arteries supply blood to the medulla oblongata?

Blood supply comes from vertebral arteries, anterior and posterior spinal arteries, posterior inferior cerebellar arteries (PICA), and the basilar artery.

What is lateral medullary syndrome (Wallenberg) and what causes it?

Lateral medullary syndrome is caused by PICA thrombosis, affecting the dorsolateral medulla. Symptoms include contralateral pain/temperature loss, ipsilateral facial sensory loss, and cerebellar ataxia.

What is medial medullary syndrome and how does it present?

Medial medullary syndrome results from anterior spinal artery occlusion. It presents with contralateral hemiplegia, ipsilateral tongue paralysis, and contralateral proprioception/vibration loss.

Medulla Oblongata – Anatomy, Nuclei & Syndromes

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