Medulla oblongataMedulla oblongata

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Lower part of brainstem.Lower part of brainstem.

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Contains central canal in the lower partContains central canal in the lower partand its upper part contains IV ventricle.and its upper part contains IV ventricle.

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Presents pyramids on either side of thePresents pyramids on either side of themidline anteriorly (formed by corticospinalmidline anteriorly (formed by corticospinaltracts on their way to spinal cord) andtracts on their way to spinal cord) andolive produced by underlying inferior olive produced by underlying inferior olivary nucleus.olivary nucleus.

Gross features

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On the back of medullaOn the back of medullaare gracile and cuneateare gracile and cuneatetubercles which containtubercles which containnuclei of the samenuclei of the samename(2nd order neurons)name(2nd order neurons)for the fasciculi of the samefor the fasciculi of the samename.name.