A report on Arousal and Locus coeruleus

Structures of the brainstem, the origin of the arousal system, viewed along the sagittal plane
Rhomboid fossa. (Locus coeruleus not labeled, but is very near [just lateral to] the colliculus facialis, which is labeled at center left.)
Locus coeruleus and its influence pathways

The noradrenergic system is a bundle of axons that originate in the locus coeruleus and ascends up into the neocortex, limbic system, and basal forebrain.

- Arousal

The norepinephrine from the LC has an excitatory effect on most of the brain, mediating arousal and priming the brain's neurons to be activated by stimuli.

- Locus coeruleus
Structures of the brainstem, the origin of the arousal system, viewed along the sagittal plane

2 related topics with Alpha

Overall
Coronal section of the pons, at its upper part. (Formatio reticularis labeled at left.)

Reticular formation

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Set of interconnected nuclei that are located throughout the brainstem.

Set of interconnected nuclei that are located throughout the brainstem.

Coronal section of the pons, at its upper part. (Formatio reticularis labeled at left.)
A cross section of the lower part of the pons showing the pontine reticular formation labeled as #9
Ascending reticular activating system. Reticular formation labeled near center.
Spinal cord tracts - reticulospinal tract labeled in red, near-center at left in figure

Neurons of the reticular formation, particularly those of the ascending reticular activating system, play a crucial role in maintaining behavioral arousal and consciousness.

The adrenergic component of the reticular activating system is closely associated with the noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus.

Skeletal formula of noradrenaline

Norepinephrine

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Organic chemical in the catecholamine family that functions in the brain and body as both a hormone and neurotransmitter.

Organic chemical in the catecholamine family that functions in the brain and body as both a hormone and neurotransmitter.

Skeletal formula of noradrenaline
Norepinephrine degradation. Metabolizing enzymes are shown in boxes.
Norepinephrine (labeled "noradrénaline" in this drawing) processing in a synapse. After release norepinephrine can either be taken up again by the presynaptic terminal, or broken down by enzymes.
Schema of the sympathetic nervous system, showing the sympathetic ganglia and the parts of the body to which they connect.
Brain areas containing noradrenergic neurons.
Chemical structure of octopamine, which serves as the homologue of norepinephrine in many invertebrate species

The most important of these nuclei is the locus coeruleus, located in the pons.

The effects are manifested in alertness, arousal, and readiness for action.