Professional
Technical
IVT
parvocellular neurons
Pronunciation: par-vo-SELL-yu-lar
Small hypothalamic neurons that secrete releasing and inhibiting hormones into the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system.
Full Definition
Parvocellular neurons are small-bodied hypothalamic neurons primarily located in the paraventricular nucleus that synthesize and release various hypothalamic hormones. These neurons project to the median eminence where they release their hormones into the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal circulation, which carries the hormones to the anterior pituitary. They are distinguished from magnocellular neurons by their smaller size and different target destinations.
Usage
Usage note: Contrast with magnocellular neurons; both cell types may coexist in the same nuclei but have different functions.
In Context
- "The parvocellular neurons expressed high levels of CRH mRNA." — Molecular neuroendocrinology study
- "Stress activates specific parvocellular neurons in the paraventricular nucleus." — Stress physiology research
Also known as
small-cell neurons
parvicellular neurons
Contrasted with
magnocellular neurons
Don't confuse with
magnocellular neurons
parvocellular pathway