Pyramid of medulla oblongata

The medulla oblongata or simply medulla is a long stem-like structure which makes up the lower part of the brainstem. It is anterior and partially inferior to the cerebellum. It is a cone-shaped neuronal mass responsible for autonomic (involuntary) functions, ranging from vomiting to sneezing. The medulla contains the cardiovascular center, the respiratory center, vomiting and vasomotor centers, responsible for the autonomic functions of breathing, heart rate and blood pressure as well as the sleep–wake cycle. Medulla is from Latin ('pith, marrow'), as is oblongata ('lengthened, longish, elongated'). During embryonic development, the medulla oblongata develops from the myelencephalon. The my (Wikipedia)