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GCSE Biology · key term
The region at the base of the brain that controls unconscious functions including breathing and heart rate.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.5.2.2 · Paper 2
Revise: The BrainThe medulla is at the base of the brain, where it joins the spinal cord. It controls vital activities that continue without conscious thought, including breathing and heart rate.
Specification B3.1f · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
A region at the base of the brain that controls involuntary activities such as breathing and heart rate.
On a brain diagram, distinguish the large, folded cerebral cortex from the smaller cerebellum at the back and the medulla at the base.
Use “involuntary” or “unconscious” for processes controlled by the medulla, such as breathing and heart rate.
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The medulla is at the base of the brain, within the brainstem, where the brain connects towards the spinal cord. It controls vital involuntary activities—processes that continue without a conscious decision—including breathing and heart rate. It also contributes to functions such as swallowing.