NUCLEI ARCUATI Meaning and
Definition
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Nuclei arcuati, also known as the arcuate nuclei, are a pair of small structures located in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain with various vital functions. These nuclei are situated at the base of the third ventricle, forming part of the hypothalamic region adjacent to the median eminence.
The nuclei arcuati are essential components of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which plays a crucial role in regulating hormone secretion and maintaining homeostasis within the body. They are primarily involved in controlling appetite, energy balance, and reproductive functions. These nuclei receive signals from different areas of the brain related to hunger and satiety, integrating and processing this information to regulate food intake and energy expenditure.
Within the nuclei arcuati, there are two distinct groups of neurons with specific functions. The first group comprises neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons, which are responsible for stimulating appetite and increasing food intake. The second group consists of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons, which suppress appetite and reduce food consumption by promoting feelings of satiety.
Imbalances in the activity of the nuclei arcuati can lead to dysregulation of feeding behavior, resulting in conditions such as obesity or eating disorders. Additionally, disruptions in the hormonal regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis can have widespread effects on various bodily functions, including metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses.
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A small collection of gray cells in the medulla, in front and to the inner side of the pyramid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEI ARCUATI
- buclei arcuati
- muclei arcuati
- juclei arcuati
- huclei arcuati
- nyclei arcuati
- nhclei arcuati
- njclei arcuati
- niclei arcuati
- n8clei arcuati
- n7clei arcuati
- nuxlei arcuati
- nuvlei arcuati
- nuflei arcuati
- nudlei arcuati
- nuckei arcuati
- nucpei arcuati
- nucoei arcuati
- nuclwi arcuati
- nuclsi arcuati
- nucldi arcuati
Etymology of NUCLEI ARCUATI
The word "nuclei arcuati" is a Latin term used in anatomy. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Nuclei: The word "nuclei" is the plural form of "nucleus", which comes from the Latin word "nucula", meaning "small kernel" or "nut". In anatomy, "nucleus" refers to a group of neurons (nerve cells) located within a specific region of the brain.
2. Arcuati: The term "arcuati" is the plural form of "arcuatus", which is the past participle of the Latin verb "arcuare", meaning "to bend" or "to arch". It is derived from the noun "arcus", meaning "arch" or "bow". In anatomy, "arcuati" refers to structures that are curved or arched.
