Periventricular nucleus

Periventricular nucleus is a thin sheet of small neurons adjacent to the wall of the third ventricle in the brain. It is a part of the hypothalamus and plays a significant role in the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system.

Function

The periventricular nucleus is involved in the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and somatostatin. It also plays a role in the regulation of body temperature, food intake, and water balance.

Anatomy

The periventricular nucleus is located in the anterior part of the hypothalamus, adjacent to the third ventricle. It is a thin sheet of small neurons that extends from the optic chiasm to the mammillary bodies.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function of the periventricular nucleus can lead to various disorders such as hypothyroidism, acromegaly, and precocious puberty. It is also implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

See also

• Hypothalamus
• Endocrine system
• Autonomic nervous system

References

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