MEDULLA

medulla

(noun) the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal

myelin, myeline, medulla

(noun) a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

medulla (plural medullas or medullae or medullæ)

The soft inner part of something, especially the pith of a fruit.

(anatomy) The inner substance of various organs and structures, especially the marrow of bones.

(anatomy) The medulla oblongata.

(botany) The internal tissue of a plant.

Source: Wiktionary

Me*dul"la, n. Etym: [L.]

1. Marrow; pith; hence, essence. [Obs.] Milton.

2. (Anat.)

Definition: The marrow of bones; the deep or inner portion of an organ or part; as, the medulla, or medullary substance, of the kidney; specifically, the medula oblongata.

3. (Bot.)

Definition: A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or branch of a plant; pith. Medulla oblongata. Etym: [L., oblong medulla] (Anat.), the posterior part of the brain connected with the spinal cord. It includes all the hindbrain except the cerebellum and pons, and from it a large part of the cranial nerves arise. It controls very largely respiration, circulation, swallowing, and other functions, and is the most vital part of the brain; -- called also bulb of the spinal cord. See Brain.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition