Tuber cinereum

Tuber Cinereum

The Tuber Cinereum is a part of the brain that is located in the hypothalamus. It is an important structure in the neuroanatomy of the human body. The Tuber Cinereum is a greyish, oval-shaped mass that is located between the mammillary bodies and the optic chiasm. It is named for its tuber-like shape and cinereum, which means "ashen" in Latin, referring to its grey color.

Anatomy

The Tuber Cinereum is part of the ventral hypothalamus, which is located at the base of the brain. It is surrounded by several important structures, including the infundibulum, which is a stalk that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland. The Tuber Cinereum is also located near the third ventricle of the brain, which is a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Function

The Tuber Cinereum plays a crucial role in the endocrine system. It is involved in the regulation of various hormones, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is responsible for the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones are essential for reproduction and sexual development.

The Tuber Cinereum is also involved in the regulation of body temperature, appetite, and sleep patterns. It achieves this through its connections with other parts of the hypothalamus and the wider nervous system.

Clinical Significance

Damage or abnormalities in the Tuber Cinereum can lead to a variety of neurological disorders. For example, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a condition that can occur if the Tuber Cinereum is not properly regulating the release of GnRH. This can lead to delayed or absent puberty, and infertility in adults.

Hamartoma of the Tuber Cinereum, also known as a hypothalamic hamartoma, is a rare, benign tumor that can cause gelastic seizures, precocious puberty, and other neurological symptoms.

See Also

• Hypothalamus
• Endocrine system
• Neuroanatomy