| In the lower part of the illustration is the cut surface of the medulla oblongata and a view of the ventral pons from below. |
| The cerebrospinal nervous system is formed by: cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata and spinal medulla. |
| The pons is a specialized band of nerve fibers that links the midbrain with the medulla oblongata and acts as a high-functioning switchboard. |
| Many arterial branches arise from the vertebral and basilar artery to supply the medulla oblongata and the pons. |
| Located at the base of the skull, the medulla oblongata is continuous with the spinal cord at the foramen magnum. |
| Other reflexes of the midbrain and medulla oblongata are the cough and sneeze reflexes. |
