Definition of Olive

Olive: In neuroanatomy, a rounded oval prominence on the surface of the medulla oblongata in the brain. There are two olives, corresponding to the two olivary bodies, one on each side of the medulla oblongata. Nerve fibers in the olivopontocerebellar pathway connect the olives to the pons and cerebellum.

Also called the oliva (plural: olivae).

Last Editorial Review: 2/21/2004

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