Question

When the medulla oblongata is compressed, then what will happen?
A. Immediately die
B. Die after few hours
C. Live for an hour and after that it may die
D. No effect

Answer 1

Hint: It is the lowest part of the brain. It is one of the main parts of the brain. It consists of several nerves which carry impulses between the brain and spinal cord. It controls the autonomic functions of our body.

Complete Answer:
- It is a long stem like structure which is among the three important parts of the brain. It is present anteriorly to the cerebellum. It develops from the myelencephalon during embryonic development. It is a cone shaped neural mass which contains the cardiac, respiratory, and vasomotor centres.
- The vessels involved in supplying blood to medulla are anterior spinal artery, cerebral artery, and vertebral artery.
- Functions: It controls all the involuntary activities of our body like respiration, cardiac cycle. It also controls the reflex actions like sneezing, swallowing, coughing.
- According to the question, if the medulla oblongata is compressed, all the involuntary activities like respiration, cardiac activity, blood pressure will stop. This will lead to immediate death.

Thus the correct answer is (A). When the medulla oblongata is compressed the person will immediately die.

Note: Medulla plays an important role in transmitting messages from spinal cord to the brain and also controls autonomic activities. If medulla is damaged, it can lead to respiratory failure, stroke, paralysis, loss of sensation and even death.