What does the medulla oblangata control?

The medulla oblongata is the part of the brain that controls functions like blood pressure, heart rate, reflexes and vomiting. In essence, it controls all the body's involuntary reflexes.

The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brain stem. It is a small, cone-shaped mass that is in charge of regulating certain autonomic bodily functions . These functions include swallowing, breathing, sneezing and blood vessel functions. It receives its blood supply from several arteries and contains many nerve fibers.

Damage to the medulla oblongata due to illness or injury may result in difficulty swallowing or breathing and may lead to death.