The myelencephalon or afterbrain[1] is the most posterior region of the embryonic hindbrain, from which the medulla oblongata develops.

[2] Myelencephalon is from myel- (bone marrow or spinal cord) and encephalon (the vertebrate brain).

[3] During fetal development, divisions of the neural tube that give rise to the hindbrain (rhombencephalon) and the other primary vesicles (forebrain and midbrain) occur at 28 days after conception.

[4] Final shape differentiation of the myelencephalon into the medulla oblongata can be observed at 20 weeks gestation.

2) Cardiac & Vasomotor Center:[8] monitors and regulates cardiovascular activities by: 3) Reflexes Because of its location in the brainstem and its many important roles in the autonomic nervous system, damage to the medulla oblongata is usually fatal.