The medulla oblongata is the part of the brain stem that regulates the bodily processes that are automatically regulated such as respiration and blood pressure. During respiration process, the medulla oblongata functions by detecting the level of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood stream and sending necessary signals in form of nerve impulses to the heart muscles and diaphragm for necessary actions. This shows that the respiratory system and the circulatory system work together and that is the reason why heart rate and breathing rate are both controlled by medulla oblongata.