Raphe nuclei facts for kids
| Brain: Raphe nuclei | ||
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Quick facts for kids
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| Section of the medulla oblongata at about the middle of the olive. (Raphe nuclei not labeled, but 'raphe' labeled at left.) | ||
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| Horizontal cross section of the brainstem at the lower pons. The raphe nucleus is labeled #18 in the middle. | ||
| Latin | nuclei raphe | |
The raphe nuclei (Greek: ῥαφή, "seam") are a moderate-size cluster of nuclei found in the brain stem. They have 5-HT1 receptors which are coupled with Gi/Go-protein-inhibiting adenyl cyclase. They function as autoreceptors in the brain and decrease the release of serotonin.
Anatomy
The raphe nuclei are positioned midline in the brainstem throughout the midbrain, pons, and medulla. They contain primarily serotonergic neurons and are involved in various physiological and psychological functions.
Functions
The fuctions of raphe nuclei include:
- Modulation of emotion, mood, response to stress, and cognition
- Regulation of appetite, sleep cycles, and movement
- Pain perception
- Motor and premotor functions
Interaction with the brain
The raphe nuclei interact with almost every pertinent portion of the brain, but only a few of them have specifically independent interactions
The caudal raphe nuclei, including the nucleus raphe magnus, nucleus raphe pallidus, and nucleus raphe obscurus, project towards the spinal cord and brainstem. The more-rostral nuclei, including the nucleus raphe pontis and nucleus centralis, have projections that extend to forebrain structures, modulating behavioral and emotional functioning, including mood regulation, memory, and sleep-wake cycle.
See also
In Spanish: Núcleos del rafe para niños
- Locus ceruleus
- Substantia nigra
- Pedunculopontine nucleus
- List of regions in the human brain
