Question

An injury to the medulla oblongata can lead to death. Why?

Answer 1

Hey There! ☺

Nice Question! ♥
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Let's start by recapping what Medulla Oblongata is.

Medulla Oblongata :

♦ It is the part of Hind Brain.

♦ It is rod-shaped.

♦ It is located below Pons (another part of Hind Brain) and is above spinal cord.

Function :

♣ It control involuntary actions.

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Now, back to your question...

As stated below function, it controls all involuntary actions in our body.

♦ Involuntary Actions : Actions that are being performed automatically in our body to sustain our life even when we don't think.

Eg : Breathing, Beating of Heart, Salivation, Blood Pressure, etc.

Therefore, when Medulla Oblongata is injuried, these essential processes stop which ultimately leads to instant death. If the injury is minor, the victim may stay alive but paralyzed.

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Hope my answer helped! ☺