The anterior or ventral portion of the medulla oblongata is named the pyramid and lies between the anterior median fissure and the antero-lateral sulcus.

Its upper end is slightly constricted, and between it and the pons the fibers of the abducent nerve emerge; a little below the pons it becomes enlarged and prominent, and finally tapers into the anterior funiculus of the medulla spinalis, with which, at first sight, it appears to be directly continuous.

See also

• Corticospinal tract (also known as "pyramidal tract")
• Decussation of the pyramids

Additional images

<gallery> Image:Gray700.png|The formatio reticularis of the medulla oblongata, shown by a transverse section passing through the middle of the olive. Image:Gray705.png|Dissection showing the projection fibers of the cerebellum. Image:Human brainstem anterior view 2 description.JPG|Human brainstem anterior view </gallery>

External links

• Diagram at csus.edu

pt:Pirāmides da medula oblonga

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