Periventricular hypothalamic zone

The periventricular zone is the narrow medial region of the hypothalamus, located directly adjacent to the third ventricle. It is composed primarily of small neurosecretory neurons that regulate the secretion of pituitary hormones. This zone includes nuclei such as the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei, which produce releasing and inhibiting hormones that reach the anterior pituitary through the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system.

Functionally, the periventricular hypothalamic zone is crucial for neuroendocrine regulation, stress response, and circadian rhythm coordination. It serves as a key interface between neural and endocrine systems, maintaining internal homeostasis through feedback mechanisms from peripheral endocrine organs.