Medulla Oblongata

nucleus cuneatus

medulla nucleus that receives sensory info from body (arms) and sends it to the thalamus

nucleus gracilis

medulla nucleus that receives sensory info from body (legs) and sends it to the thalamus

reflex centers

medullary centers that receive inputs from cranial nerves, the cerebral cortex, and the brain stem and control the activities of one or more peripheral systems such as the respiratory or cardiovascular system

olivary nuclei

medullary nuclei that relay information from the spinal cord, cerebral cortex, and brain stem to cerebellar cortex

medulla oblongata

part of the brainstem that controls vital life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion and relays information to the thalamus

olives

prominent olive-shaped bulges along the ventrolateral surface of the medulla oblongata

cardiovascular centers

reflex centers in the medulla that adjust the heart rate, the strength of cardiac contractions, and the flow of blood through peripheral tissues

respiratory rhythmicity centers

reflex centers in the medulla that set the basic pace for respiratory movements