arcuate nucleus
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Related to arcuate nucleus: Preoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus
ar·cu·ate nu·cle·us
[TA]1. Synonym(s): nucleus arcuatus of intermediate hypothalamic area [TA], nucleus periventricularis posterior [TA], posterior periventricular nucleus [TA]Synonym(s): arcuate nucleus of thalamus
2. a cell group in the hypothalamus, located in the lowest part of the infundibulum adjacent to the median eminence. Synonym(s): nucleus arcuatus of medulla oblongata [TA]
3. a variable assembly of small cell groups, probably outlying components of the pontine nuclei, on the anterior and medial aspects of the pyramid in the medulla oblongata.
Synonym(s): nucleus arcuatus [TA]
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arcuate nucleus
n.
Any of various specialized groups of nerve cells in the medulla oblongata, thalamus, or hypothalamus of the brain.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
arcuate nucleus
A hypothalamic nucleus in the ventral wall of the third ventricle near the pituitary stalk. The arcuate nucleus produces inhibiting and releasing factors (adrenocorticotrophic hormone, beta-lipotrophic hormone, and beta-endorphin) for pituitary hormones.
Synonym: infundibular nucleusSee also: nucleus
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