Myelencephalon; Medulla oblongata

The myelencephalon is the caudal subdivision of the rhombencephalon (hindbrain) that develops into the medulla oblongata. It is located between the metencephalon rostrally and the spinal cord caudally, forming the caudal part of the brainstem.

The medulla oblongata is continuous caudally with the spinal cord at the level of the foramen magnum and forms part of the floor of the fourth ventricle dorsally. It contains ascending sensory pathways, descending motor pathways, reticular formation nuclei, autonomic centers, and nuclei associated with several cranial nerves, particularly cranial nerves VIII through XII.

Functionally, the medulla oblongata is involved in the conduction of information between the spinal cord and higher encephalic centers, as well as in the regulation of vital autonomic functions including respiration, cardiovascular regulation, and visceral reflex activity.