The medulla oblongata is the lower half of the brainstem, which is continuous with the spinal cord, the upper half being the pons. It is often referred to simply as the medulla.

Contains the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting and vasomotor centers and so deals with the autonomic (involuntary) functions, of breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

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.

Medulla oblongata abscess

Medulla Oblongata Cavernous Malformation

Germinoma of the medulla oblongata

Medulla oblongata injury