D defs.my
Entry 4 senses Webster, 1913

Medulla

/mĭd-ŭl'-ə/ · Me·dul·la · IPA /məˈdulə/
01 n. Marrow; pith; hence, essence.
  1. 1.
    Marrow; pith; hence, essence.[Obs.]
  2. 2.
    The marrow of bones; the deep or inner portion of an organ or part; as, the medulla, or medullary substance, of the kidney; specifically, the medula oblongata.(Anat.)
  3. 3.
    A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or branch of a plant; pith.(Bot.)
  4. 4.
Phrases & compounds
Medulla oblongata — the posterior part of the brain connected with the spinal cord. It includes all the hindbrain except the cerebellum and pons, and from it a large part of the cranial nerves arise. It controls very largely respiration, circulation, swallowing, and other functions, and is the most vital part of the brain; -- called also bulb of the spinal cord. See Brain.