The medulla oblongata is part of which brain system?

The medulla oblongata is indeed considered part of the reptilian brain. This term refers to the most primitive part of the brain, which is responsible for basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation. The reptilian brain includes structures that are critical for survival, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in maintaining homeostatic functions.

In contrast, the cerebral cortex is associated with higher-level functions such as thought, reasoning, and complex behavior. The limbic system is primarily involved in emotion, memory, and arousal, while the cerebellar system focuses on coordination and balance. These other brain systems do not include the medulla oblongata, which is specifically linked to the automatic regulatory processes that are crucial for sustaining life, characteristic of the reptilian brain.