T.S. of medulla oblongata

   The medulla oblongata is the part of the brain that mainly deals with involuntary functions that are essential for life. It is the lowest part of the brain. It shows inner grey matter and outer white matter.
   The medulla contains many centres that control the viscera. These include the Respiratory Centre, Cardiac inhibitory Centre, Vasomotor Centre, etc.
   These centres are actually a collection of nuclei. For instance, the Respiratory Centre includes the NTS (Nucleus Tractus Solitarius), Nucleus Ambiguous, etc. The Cardiac Inhibitory Centre (CIC) includes the dorsal nucleus of vagus.
   Although we can point out the nuclei that belong to a particular centre, the functions of the centre per se is not the only work of each nucleus. The nuclei work together in a Co ordinated manner to maintain homeostasis.
   For example, the NTS is said to belong to the Respiratory Centre to cause inspiration on simulation. However, that is not it's only function. When the blood pressure falls down, the nucleus tractus solitarius is involved in the baroreceptor reflex. The taste inputs are also sent to the NTS via the 3 nerves of taste - facial(VII), glossopharangeal(IX) and vagus(X) nerves.
   Another example is that the CIC also functions to supply nerves to other viscera of the body. 3 sections of the medulla oblongata have been taken - 1 at sensory decussation level, 2nd at the motor(pyramidal) decussation level and 3rd at the level of the olives(Floor of 4th  ventricle).
   The labelling includes many short forms to fit in everything. I am really sorry for the short forms. But here are the full forms -
ST=SpinoTectal
DSC=Dorsal Spino Cerebellar
VSC=Ventral Spino Cerebellar
LST=Lateral Spino Thalamic
AST=Anterior Spino Thalamic
S-Olivary=Spino Olivary
RS=Rubro Spinal
VS=Vestibulo Spinal
TS=Tecto Spinal
OS=Olivio Spinal
G=nucleus gracilis
C=nucleus cuneatus
Crosshatched lines= Reticular Formation
ICP=Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle
P=pyramid
V. Coch. N.= VestibuloCochlear(VIII) Nerve
A=nucleus ambiguous
Roman numerals=number of the cranial nerve
MLB=Medial Longitudinal Bundle
TS=TectoSpinal
IVN=Inferior Vestibular Nucleus
MO=Medial Olivary
DO=Dorsal Olivary
D. Coch. N=Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus