Function
The OVLT lacks a blood brain barrier, and so neurons in this region can respond to osmotic pressure factors that are present in the systemic circulation.
Some neurons in the OVLT are osmoreceptors, being sensitive to the osmotic pressure of the blood. These neurons project to the supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus to regulate the activity of vasopressin-secreting neurons. In a situation of lowered blood volume, the secretion of renin by the kidneys and its subsequent conversion to angiotensin II stimulate the OVLT and SFO to complete a positive feedback loop. These neurons also project to the nucleus medianus (also called the medial preoptic nucleus) which is involved in controlling thirst.
Read more about this topic: Organum Vasculosum Of Lamina Terminalis
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