MYELENCEPHALON Meaning and
Definition
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The myelencephalon is a part of the human brainstem, specifically the most posterior region, forming the lowermost portion of the brainstem. It is often referred to as the medulla oblongata. This structure serves as a connection between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain.
The term "myelencephalon" is derived from two Greek words: "myelos" meaning marrow or spinal cord, and "encephalon" which refers to the brain. It is responsible for various essential functions that are critical for survival, including maintaining homeostasis and regulating vital bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, and reflex actions.
The myelencephalon contains numerous nuclei that control these autonomic functions and serve as relay centers for sensory and motor information. It receives inputs from various regions of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, and sends output to other areas like the cerebellum and higher brain centers.
Damage or dysfunction in the myelencephalon can lead to severe consequences, including impairments in motor coordination, breathing difficulties, heart irregularities, and sensory abnormalities. In certain neurological disorders, such as strokes or trauma, injuries to the myelencephalon can result in life-threatening complications.
In summary, the myelencephalon is a crucial region of the brainstem responsible for maintaining essential functions and connections between the spinal cord and higher brain structures. It plays a vital role in regulating vital bodily processes and relaying sensory and motor information that is crucial for human survival.
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1. The brain and spinal cord, constituting the cerebrospinal axis. 2. The afterbrain or medullary brain, the posterior division of the rhombencephalon from which are developed the medulla oblongata and the bulbar portion of the fourth ventricle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYELENCEPHALON
- nyelencephalon
- kyelencephalon
- jyelencephalon
- mtelencephalon
- mgelencephalon
- mhelencephalon
- muelencephalon
- m7elencephalon
- m6elencephalon
- mywlencephalon
- myslencephalon
- mydlencephalon
- myrlencephalon
- my4lencephalon
- my3lencephalon
- myekencephalon
- myepencephalon
- myeoencephalon
- myelwncephalon
Etymology of MYELENCEPHALON
The word "myelencephalon" comes from the Greek roots "myelos", meaning "marrow", and "enkephalos", meaning "brain". Combining these roots, "myelencephalon" refers to the posterior part of the embryonic brain, which eventually develops into the medulla oblongata, a region responsible for many involuntary functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.
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