Medulla is a noun with a few related scientificconnected with science and based on systematic study or facts meanings. It can refer to the lowerlocated nearer the bottom or beneath something else part of the brain, a fatty substance around some nervea bundle of fibers carrying signals between the body and brain fibers, or the inner part of an organ or structure.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /mɪˈdʌlə/
Easy pronunciation: mih-DUL-uh (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress on the second syllable.
Refers to the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Medulla Meaning
the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the lower or hindmost part of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord
Example: The medulla helps control breathing and heart rate.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- medulla oblongata — The standard anatomical term for this brain part.
- bulb — An older anatomical term for the medulla oblongata.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Medulla
Meaning 2
a fatty insulating substance around some nerve fibers
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers
Example: Myelin insulates nerve fibers and helps signals travel quickly.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- myelin — The standard modern term for this substance.
- myeline — A variant form found in the source data.
Meaning 3
the inner core of an organ or structure
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal
Example: The medulla is the inner part of the bone.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Medulla Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- medulla oblongata
- bulb
the fatty insulating substance around some nerve fibers
- myelin
- myeline
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using medulla to mean the cerebral cortex. These are different brain regions.
- Mixing up medulla with myelin when talking about brain anatomy. Myelin is the insulating sheath around nerve fibers, not the brain stem region.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does medulla mean in anatomy?
In anatomy, medulla can mean the lower part of the brain connected to the spinal cord, or the inner part of an organ or structure.
Is medulla the same as myelin?
No. Medulla and myelin are different terms. Myelin is the fatty insulating sheath around some nerve fibers, while medulla refers to a brain region or an inner part of a structure.
What is the medulla oblongata?
The medulla oblongata is the lower part of the brainstem, continuous with the spinal cord.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
