Magnocellular

Magnocellular refers to the larger cells within certain areas of the brain. The term is most commonly used in reference to the Magnocellular neurosecretory cells of the supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and the Magnocellular cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus.

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells are large cells within the hypothalamus of the brain that produce neurohypophysial hormones, specifically vasopressin and oxytocin. These hormones are then transported down the neurohypophyseal tract to the posterior pituitary, where they are released into the bloodstream.

Magnocellular cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus contains two types of cells: parvocellular cells and magnocellular cells. Magnocellular cells in the LGN are part of the visual system and are responsible for the detection of motion and the perception of depth and spatial relationships.

Function

Magnocellular cells, both in the hypothalamus and the LGN, play crucial roles in the functioning of the body and the perception of the world. In the hypothalamus, they are involved in the regulation of water balance, childbirth, and lactation. In the LGN, they contribute to the perception of the visual world.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the function of magnocellular cells have been implicated in a number of disorders. For example, dysfunction of magnocellular neurosecretory cells can lead to diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of large amounts of dilute urine. In the visual system, abnormalities in magnocellular cells have been suggested to play a role in dyslexia and schizophrenia.

See also

• Parvocellular cell
• Neurohypophysis
• Visual perception