**Bulbar palsy** is named after the **bulb**, which refers to the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem that houses the lower cranial nerves involved in functions such as swallowing, speaking, and chewing. Palsy when there is a paralysis or weakness of these muscles due to impaired function of the lower motor neurons associated with these cranial nerves, glossopharyngeal (CN IX), vagus (CN X), accessory (CN XI), and hypoglossal (CN XII) nerves. See: - [[Guillain-Barré syndrome|GBS]] - [[Snakebite]] - [[myasthena gravis]] - Botulism - ALS - Acute intermittent porphyria - Medullary infarction - Brainstem glioma