medulla_oblongata
1. [ noun ] (anatomy,zoology,neuroscience) lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord; (`bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata)
Synonyms: bulb medulla
Examples:

"the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning"

Related terms: neural_structure hindbrain brainstem respiratory_center