Periaqueductal gray
Periaqueductal Gray
The Periaqueductal Gray (PAG) (pronounced: per-ee-uh-kwe-duk-tuhl gray), also known as the central gray, is a region located in the midbrain that plays a crucial role in the modulation of pain. The term "periaqueductal" refers to the region's location around the cerebral aqueduct, while "gray" refers to the gray matter that it is composed of.
Etymology
The term "Periaqueductal Gray" is derived from its anatomical location and appearance. "Peri-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "around" or "surrounding", "aqueductal" refers to the cerebral aqueduct (a fluid-filled canal that runs through the midbrain), and "gray" refers to the gray matter that it is composed of.
Function
The Periaqueductal Gray is primarily involved in the modulation of pain. It is part of the pain pathway and is involved in the endogenous analgesia system. It also plays a role in defensive and reproductive behaviors.
Related Terms
- Analgesia: The inability to feel pain while conscious.
- Pain Pathway: The pathway through which pain signals are transmitted from the peripheral to the central nervous system.
- Midbrain: The middle part of the brain that connects the forebrain and the hindbrain.
- Cerebral Aqueduct: A fluid-filled canal that runs through the midbrain.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Periaqueductal gray
- Wikipedia's article - Periaqueductal gray
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