Type of nerve fibers in the medulla oblongata?

• A. Motor only
• B. Sensory only
• C. Both sensory and motor
• D. Interneurons only

Answer: (C)

The medulla oblongata contains both sensory and motor nerve fibers. It houses ascending sensory pathways that bring information from the body up to the brain, and descending motor pathways that carry commands from the brain to muscles. It also includes cranial nerve nuclei with motor and sensory components, so mixed fiber types pass through it. Because of these dual roles—both transmitting sensory information and conveying motor commands—the medulla is rich in both types of fibers, not limited to one. Interneurons are present in the CNS as well, but the defining feature here is the combination of sensory and motor pathways and connections.