Circumventricular organs

Circumventricular Organs

Circumventricular organs (pronunciation: sir-kum-ven-trik-yuh-lur or-guhns) are a group of structures in the brain characterized by their extensive vasculature and lack of a normal Blood-brain barrier. These organs are highly vascularized and are located around the Ventricular system of the brain.

Etymology

The term "Circumventricular" is derived from the Latin words "circum" meaning around, and "ventriculus" meaning little belly, referring to the ventricles of the brain.

Function

Circumventricular organs play a crucial role in the homeostasis of the body. They are involved in the regulation of endocrine and autonomic functions, and they facilitate the communication between the brain and the blood.

Classification

Circumventricular organs can be classified into two categories: sensory and secretory.

• Sensory circumventricular organs include the Organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, the Subfornical organ, and the Area postrema. These organs detect changes in the composition of body fluids and signal the brain to initiate appropriate responses.

• Secretory circumventricular organs include the Neurohypophysis, the Pineal gland, and the Subcommissural organ. These organs secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Related Terms

• Blood-brain barrier
• Ventricular system
• Endocrine system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis
• Subfornical organ
• Area postrema
• Neurohypophysis
• Pineal gland
• Subcommissural organ

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Circumventricular organs
• Wikipedia's article - Circumventricular organs

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