What does the medulla oblongata control?

The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating vital autonomic functions essential for survival. Its primary role includes controlling heart rate and respiration, making it vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

The medulla oblongata contains centers that monitor and adjust the pace of breathing and the force and rate of heart contractions. These functions are involuntary, meaning they occur without conscious effort, which is crucial during activities such as sleeping or exerting oneself physically.

Other choices such as muscle coordination, memory processing, and body temperature regulation are primarily functions associated with different regions of the brain. For instance, muscle coordination is mainly managed by the cerebellum, memory processing is largely a function of the hippocampus and surrounding areas, and body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus. Thus, the medulla oblongata distinctly pertains to the regulation of heart rate and respiration.