The bulb is an archaic term for the [[medulla oblongata]] and in modern clinical usage the word [[bulbar]] (e.g. [[bulbar palsy]]) is retained for terms that relate to the medulla oblongata, particularly in reference to medical conditions. The word bulbar can refer to the nerves and tracts connected to the [[medulla]], and also by association to the muscles thus innervated, such as those of the tongue, pharynx and larynx.