Medulla is the structure that connects the brain with the spinal cord and controls vital life functions ; the center for breathing, waking, sleeping, and beating of the heart Moreover, Medulla is the part of the brain that regulates heart rate, constriction of blood vessels, and rate of breathing; hindbrain structure located just above the spinal cord; the medulla could be regarded as an enlarged, elaborated extension of the spinal cord; oblong-shaped area of the hindbrain involved in heartbeat and respiration.