PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS Meaning and
Definition
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The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a small, densely-packed group of cells located in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain responsible for regulating various bodily functions. It is situated near the third ventricle, a fluid-filled cavity in the brain.
The PVN plays a crucial role in the regulation of important physiological processes, including the control of appetite, body temperature, stress response, and the secretion of certain hormones. It serves as a vital integrative center, receiving and processing information from different parts of the brain and body and orchestrating appropriate responses.
One of the primary functions of the PVN is the control of the body's stress response. It contains specialized cells called neuroendocrine cells that produce and release hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin. These hormones activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex network involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which ultimately leads to the release of stress hormones like cortisol.
Furthermore, the PVN is involved in the control of food intake and energy balance. Certain subsets of PVN neurons produce neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide Y and pro-opiomelanocortin, which have been shown to affect appetite and feeding behavior.
Overall, the paraventricular nucleus is a critically important structure within the hypothalamus, responsible for regulating various physiological processes essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Common Misspellings for PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS
- oaraventricular nucleus
- laraventricular nucleus
- -araventricular nucleus
- 0araventricular nucleus
- pzraventricular nucleus
- psraventricular nucleus
- pwraventricular nucleus
- pqraventricular nucleus
- paeaventricular nucleus
- padaventricular nucleus
- pafaventricular nucleus
- pataventricular nucleus
- pa5aventricular nucleus
- pa4aventricular nucleus
- parzventricular nucleus
- parsventricular nucleus
- parwventricular nucleus
- parqventricular nucleus
- paracentricular nucleus
- parabentricular nucleus
Etymology of PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS
The word "paraventricular" is derived from the Latin roots "para-" meaning alongside, and "ventriculus" meaning ventricle. In anatomy, "para-" is often used to indicate something located adjacent to or near a particular structure. "Ventriculus" refers to a small cavity or chamber, such as the ventricles of the brain.
The term "nucleus" comes from the Latin word "nucleus" which means kernel or core. In biology and anatomy, it typically refers to a distinct mass of nerve cells within the central nervous system.
Therefore, the word "paraventricular nucleus" describes a group of nerve cells located adjacent to or near the ventricles of the brain.
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