Begins at foramen magnum, extends to pons (about 3cm)
Pyramids are protrusions formed by large corticospinal
tracts that pass from cerebrum to spinal cord.
Just superior to the junction of medulla with spinal cord, 90%
of axons in left pyramid cross to the right side and vice
versa. This is called decussation of pyramids.
Nuclei in the medulla control & regulate the cardiovascular
center & medullary rhythmicity area.
Cardiovascular regulates rate & force of
heart beat & diameter of blood vessels
Rhythmicity area of the respiratory center
adjusts the basic rhythm of breathing
Controls reflexes for vomiting, swallowing,
sneezing, coughing and hiccupping.