The central noradrenergic system: an overview
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Abstract:
The central noradrenergic system belongs to a group of brainstem neuromodulatory systems previously referred to as the ascending reticular activating system. In this article a heuristic model is presented of the central noradrenergic system depicting the major projections to other cerebral areas, its interactions with other neuromodulatory systems, mechanisms through which it can influence cerebral function, as well as the major functions and disorders associated with alterations in central noradrenergic activity. It is not the aim of this paper to provide fine detail on the various aspects, but rather to provide a concise overview where structure and function, as well as the interactions with other systems are brought together. The contents of the paper are summarized in a diagram.
Related Concept Videos
Autonomic Nervous System: Overview
Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
Autonomic Nervous System
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
The Sympathetic Nervous System
Sympathetic Signaling
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...
Sympathetic Division of the ANS
Originating in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord segments, the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic division exit the spinal cord through the white ramus communicans. They then enter the sympathetic...


