PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY Meaning and
Definition
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Periaqueductal gray (PAG) refers to a small, dense region situated in the midbrain, surrounding the cerebral aqueduct (the narrow canal that connects the third and fourth ventricles of the brain). It is a crucial part of the central nervous system and plays a significant role in the modulation and control of various physiological and behavioral functions.
The periaqueductal gray is primarily involved in the regulation of pain perception and response. It serves as a major relay station for the transmission of pain signals from the spinal cord to higher brain centers, including the thalamus and cortex. Additionally, the PAG is responsible for initiating pain inhibition, producing analgesic effects through the activation of descending pain control pathways.
Furthermore, the periaqueductal gray is involved in other critical functions such as the regulation of defensive behaviors, including fight, flight, and freezing responses. It contributes to the control of autonomic functions like cardiovascular responses, respiration, and micturition (urination). The PAG also plays a role in regulating various emotional and cognitive processes, including stress responses, anxiety, and sexual behaviors.
Overall, the periaqueductal gray is an essential brain structure that integrates and modulates a wide range of physiological and behavioral functions. Its complex network connections and functional significance make it a crucial target for research and potential therapeutic interventions in various neurological disorders involving pain, emotional disturbances, and autonomic dysfunctions.
Common Misspellings for PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY
- oeriaqueductal gray
- leriaqueductal gray
- -eriaqueductal gray
- 0eriaqueductal gray
- pwriaqueductal gray
- psriaqueductal gray
- pdriaqueductal gray
- prriaqueductal gray
- p4riaqueductal gray
- p3riaqueductal gray
- peeiaqueductal gray
- pediaqueductal gray
- pefiaqueductal gray
- petiaqueductal gray
- pe5iaqueductal gray
- pe4iaqueductal gray
- peruaqueductal gray
- perjaqueductal gray
- perkaqueductal gray
- peroaqueductal gray
Etymology of PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY
The term "Periaqueductal" is derived from Latin roots. "Peri" means "around" or "surrounding", while "aqueductal" relates to the aqueduct, which refers to a canal or a duct. The word "gray" denotes the color gray, referring to the gray matter of the brain. Hence, the etymology of "Periaqueductal Gray" suggests the region of gray matter surrounding the aqueduct in the brain.
Similar spelling word for PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY
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