Question

Write the functions of the medulla and cerebellum.

Answer 1

Hint: Medulla or Medulla oblongata is the stem-like structure of the brain stem. Medulla comprises major responsive centers like vomiting, respiratory, vasomotor, and cardiac. The cerebellum is situated at the hindbrain underneath the cerebral hemisphere.

Complete answer:
Functions of medulla:
- Medulla oblongata takes part in the autonomic nervous system reaction.
- Ventilation control is done by the medulla.
- The medulla controls the respiration of the body by chemoreceptors. Medulla increase or decrease oxygenation of blood according to the provided signals by the chemoreceptors.
- Coughing, vomiting, sneezing, swallowing is regulated by the medulla.
- The cardiovascular center is situated in the medulla. It regulates heart rates via the nervous system and the endocrine system.

Functions of the cerebellum:
- The spinal cord, sensory system, and brain stem provide information to the cerebellum.
- The cerebellum is responsible for regulating voluntary movements.
- The voluntary movement involves body balance and coordination, speech, maintenance of posture.

Note: The cerebellum is composed of two hemispheres. It comprises 10% of total brain weight. 50% of brain neurons are located in the cerebellum. Damage in the cerebellum may cause an imbalance in body movement, a problem in speech.
The lowest part of the brain is the medulla oblongata. Both myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers are found in the medulla. It connects the midbrain and brainstem. The major two parts of the medulla are the central medulla and dorsal medulla. A triangular structure is found in the ventral medulla which is called pyramids. The last seven cranial nerves are originated from the dorsal medulla. Injury in the medulla may lead to loss of sense, paralysis, loss of gag reflex, etc.