Arcuate nucleus
Arcuate Nucleus
The Arcuate Nucleus (pronunciation: /ɑːrˈkjuːeɪt ˈnjuː.kli.əs/) is a collection of neurons in the hypothalamus of the brain. The term "arcuate" comes from the Latin word "arcuatus" which means "bowed" or "arched", referring to the shape of this nucleus.
Function
The Arcuate Nucleus plays a crucial role in several physiological functions. It is involved in the regulation of appetite, energy homeostasis, and body weight. It also plays a role in the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is essential for reproductive function.
Anatomy
The Arcuate Nucleus is located in the mediobasal part of the hypothalamus, adjacent to the third ventricle and above the median eminence. It is divided into two major parts: the medial and lateral areas. The medial area is primarily involved in energy homeostasis, while the lateral area is involved in reproductive function.
Neurotransmitters
The neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus produce several neurotransmitters, including neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis.
Clinical Significance
Dysfunction of the Arcuate Nucleus has been implicated in several disorders, including obesity, anorexia nervosa, and infertility. Research is ongoing to understand the role of this nucleus in these conditions and to develop potential treatments.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arcuate nucleus
- Wikipedia's article - Arcuate nucleus
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski