https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/db7c5354-0fa4-43cb-a1b9-34bb1bd2af8b Official Ninja Nerd Website: https://ninjanerd.org Ninja Nerds! In this lecture, Professor Zach Murphy examines the anatomy and function of the medulla oblongata, the most caudal portion of the brainstem that connects directly to the spinal cord. We begin by identifying its external anatomical landmarks, including the anterior pyramids containing corticospinal tracts, the olives housing the inferior olivary nuclei, and the anterolateral sulcus where cranial nerves IX through XII emerge. The posterior surface features the gracile and cuneate tubercles, which contain sensory relay nuclei for proprioception and fine touch. We then explore the internal organization, focusing on the medulla’s division into the open medulla, which forms part of the floor of the fourth ventricle, and the closed medulla, where the central canal continues from the spinal cord. Within these regions, we examine the arrangement of ascending sensory pathways, descending motor tracts, and essential nuclei such as the nucleus ambiguus, solitary nucleus, and vestibular nuclei. Functionally, the lecture emphasizes the medulla’s vital role in autonomic control, including cardiovascular regulation via the vasomotor and cardiac centers, and respiratory rhythm modulation in coordination with pontine centers. Additionally, we discuss its contribution to reflexive actions such as swallowing, coughing, gagging, and vomiting. The medulla also serves as a major relay station for somatosensory information and motor signals traveling between the brain and spinal cord, ensuring integrated sensorimotor function. Enjoy the lecture and support us below! 🌐 Official Links Website: https://www.ninjanerd.org Podcast: https://podcast.ninjanerd.org Store: https://merch.ninjanerd.org 📱 Social Media https://www.tiktok.com/@ninjanerdlectures https://www.instagram.com/ninjanerdlectures https://www.facebook.com/ninjanerdlectures https://x.com/ninjanerdsci/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninja-nerd/ 💬 Join Our Community Discord: https://discord.gg/3srTG4dngW #ninjanerd #Medulla #Neurology Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:46:54 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://stream.echo6.co https://stream.echo6.co/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/db7c5354-0fa4-43cb-a1b9-34bb1bd2af8b All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://stream.echo6.co/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.