What Is the Most Inferior Portion of the Brain Stem?

The most inferior portion of the brain stem is the medulla oblongata. Located just below the pons of the brain stem and anterior to the cerebellum, the medulla oblongata is responsible for many of the vital involuntary functions of the body, such as breathing, digestion and heart and circulatory function.

This part of the brain stem also serves to relay messages from the spinal cord to the brain and aids in body coordination. Since a majority of the nerves involved with controlling the muscles of the larynx, pharynx and velum are located in the medulla, it is necessary for the functions of speech and swallowing as well.