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'''Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone'''

The '''Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone''' (CTZ) is an area of the [[Medulla oblongata|medulla oblongata]] that receives inputs from blood-borne drugs or hormones, and communicates with the [[Vomiting center|vomiting center]] to induce vomiting. It is a significant part of the body's defense mechanism against toxins and harmful substances.

==Anatomy==

The CTZ is located in the area postrema of the medulla oblongata, near the [[Fourth ventricle|fourth ventricle]] of the brain. It is outside the [[Blood-brain barrier|blood-brain barrier]], which allows it to respond to substances present in the blood that cannot cross the barrier.

==Function==

The primary function of the CTZ is to detect toxins in the blood and send signals to the vomiting center in the brain to initiate the vomiting reflex. It does this through the use of chemoreceptors, which are specialized cells that can detect changes in the chemical composition of the body's fluids.

The CTZ is sensitive to a variety of substances, including drugs, toxins, and metabolic products. It can also be stimulated by certain medications, such as [[Chemotherapy|chemotherapy]] drugs, which can cause nausea and vomiting.

==Clinical significance==

Understanding the function of the CTZ has important implications for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. Antiemetic drugs, which are used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, often work by blocking the action of certain neurotransmitters in the CTZ.

In addition, the CTZ's location outside the blood-brain barrier means that it can be affected by substances that cannot cross the barrier. This makes it a target for the treatment of conditions such as [[Motion sickness|motion sickness]] and [[Morning sickness|morning sickness]].

==See also==
* [[Area postrema]]
* [[Vomiting center]]
* [[Blood-brain barrier]]
* [[Chemoreceptor]]

==References==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Medulla oblongata]]
[[Category:Chemoreceptors]]
[[Category:Vomiting]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]

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Chemoreceptor trigger zone - Revision history

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