Medicine & USMLE

Paraventricular and Supraoptic Nuclei

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Hypothalamic Nuclei
  1. Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
  2. Paraventricular and Supraoptic Nuclei
  3. Lateral Nucleus
  4. Ventromedial Nucleus
  5. Anterior Nucleus
  6. Posterior Nucleus
  7. Preoptic Nuclei

Summary

The supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei are neuronal clusters found in the hypothalamus. They both consist of specialized secretory cells that release the hormones ADH and oxytocin to the posterior pituitary gland.

Key Points

  • Supraoptic + Paraventricular Nuclei
    • Location
      • Hypothalamus
    • Function
      • Synthesizes ADH and Oxytocin
        • These hormones are transported to posterior pituitary for release
    • Lesions
      • May be functional or dysfunctional, leading to increases or decreases in ADH