Periaqueductal gray substance
Substantia grisea periaquaeductalis
- Latin synonym: Substantia grisea centralis mesencephali; Substantia grisea periaqueductalis
- Synonym: Central gray substance of midbrain
- Related terms: Periaqueductal grey substance; Periaqueductal grey substance; Central grey substance
Definition
The periaqueductal gray substance is the gray matter in the tegmentum of midbrain, around the aqueduct of midbrain.
It contains descending autonomic tracts and projects to the nucleus raphe magnus.
The periaqueductal gray substance is invoclved in autonomic function, pain modulation and behavior responses.
References
Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS
