Which of the following are critical functions of the medulla?

The medulla oblongata, a crucial part of the brainstem, plays a vital role in autonomic functions that are essential for survival. It is primarily responsible for the regulation of respiration and heart rate, which are critical to maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Respiration involves the medulla's control over the rhythmic cycle of breathing, managing both the rate and depth of respiration. This is vital in responding to the body's varying oxygen demands. Alongside this, the medulla is instrumental in regulating the heart rate through its control over the autonomic nervous system, influencing both sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to maintain appropriate blood flow and pressure.

In contrast, movement and balance are primarily governed by the cerebellum and basal ganglia, whereas memory and cognition are functions of the cerebral cortex and temporal lobes. Speech and language involve complex interactions primarily within Broca's and Wernicke's areas, also located in the cortex, far removed from the medulla’s primary functions. Thus, the critical roles of respiration and heart rate regulation distinctly categorize the medulla's functions as essential for life support.