Medulla
The medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brainstem, connecting the brain to the spinal cord. It controls vital automatic functions including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Biological Context
The medulla contains control centers for respiration, cardiac function, and vasomotor tone (blood vessel diameter). These functions are so critical that medulla damage is usually fatal. The medulla also handles reflexes like coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting. Unlike voluntary movements that involve the cortex, medullary functions operate continuously without conscious input.
Business Application
The medulla represents the non-negotiable functions an organization cannot stop—payroll, security, essential operations. Just as you can't consciously stop breathing for long, companies cannot suspend these core functions without fatal consequences.