Locus coeruleus

Locus coeruleus (LC) is a nucleus in the pons part of the brainstem involved with physiological responses to stress and panic. It is the principal site for brain synthesis of norepinephrine (noradrenaline). The locus coeruleus is implicated in several mental disorders, including anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and depression.

Anatomy

The Locus coeruleus is located in the posterior area of the rostral pons in the lateral floor of the fourth ventricle. It is composed of mostly noradrenergic neurons, i.e., nerve cells that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline) to send signals to other nerve cells.

Function

The locus coeruleus and its system of neurons is implicated in a number of physiological operations, primarily through its widespread projections from the brainstem. The locus coeruleus may figure in clinical depression, panic disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and anxiety.

Clinical significance

The locus coeruleus is affected in a number of neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders. It shows signs of significant degeneration in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In addition, the locus coeruleus may be affected in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and anxiety.

See also

• Norepinephrine
• Pons
• Brainstem
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Panic disorder
• Anxiety

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  Locus coeruleus
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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the brainstem
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  Locus coeruleus at very low magnification
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  Locus coeruleus highlighted in the brainstem
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  Locus coeruleus at high magnification