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Medulla

From About.com

Updated: April 17, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

Definition: The medulla is one of the main structures of the hindbrain. The medulla is the enlarged tip of the spinal cord. Nerve impulses from the medulla stimulate the intercostal muscles and diaphragm. The medulla also regulates the heartbeat and adjusts the blood flow by regulating the diameter of the arterioles.
Also Known As: medulla oblongata

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