the.com/medulla
the tiny brainstem nub that keeps you breathing while you forget it exists.
sizeAbout two centimeters of utterly nonnegotiable real estate.
jobRuns breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure unsupervised.
the crossNerve fibers swap sides here, so left controls right.
damageInjury here can stop breathing instantly and permanently.
reflexesOwns your sneezing, vomiting, and swallowing without consent.