Thursday 18 August 2011

The Human Brain



Why is severing the spinal chord below the medulla instantly fatal?

The medulla oblongata is the structure found in the brain responsible for a number of automatic and vital functions such as respiration, blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. This makes it a very critical part of the brain.

Severing the spinal chord below the medulla can instantly be fatal as it could damage the structure - the patient will be unable to breathe, swallow or perform basic motor functions.

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