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

The correct option is A Immediately die

• The medulla oblongata is the part of the brainstem, that is situated between the pons and the spinal cord.
• The medulla contains the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting and vasomotor centers and therefore deals with the autonomic (involuntary) functions of breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.
• Thus compression of the medulla oblongata will lead to instant death.
• So, option A is correct here.