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, bulb • Derivationally related forms: bulbar (for: bulb), medullary (for: medulla) • Hypernyms: neural structure • Part Holonyms: brainstem, brain-stem, brain stem • Part Meronyms: respiratory center
