Locus caeruleus

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Locus coeruleus, Nucleus caeruleus

The locus coeruleus is a nucleus in the area of the upper part of the floor of the fourth ventricle and shines bluish through its floor.

Anatomy

The locus coeruleus contains predominantly noradrenergic neurons, but also peptidergic neurons, for example containing enkephalin or neurotensin[^1].

Projection

The neurons of the locus coeruleus project into the hypothalamus, the limbic system and into the neocortex[^1].