The Medulla was derived from which embryonic brain division?

• A. Telencephalon
• B. Diencephalon
• C. Mesencephalon
• D. Myelencephalon

Answer: (D)

The medulla oblongata arises from the hindbrain, specifically the rear division of the embryonic rhombencephalon. The rhombencephalon splits into two secondary vesicles: the metencephalon, which forms the pons and cerebellum, and the myelencephalon, which forms the medulla. So the medulla is derived from the myelencephalon. In contrast, the telencephalon becomes the cerebral hemispheres, the diencephalon forms structures like the thalamus and hypothalamus, and the mesencephalon remains the midbrain.