ventral tegmental nucleus (VTN)

The term ventral tegmental nucleus (VTN) refers to a nucleus in the ventral tegmentum of the rat ( Swanson-2004 ) and mouse ( Franklin-2008 ). IT is less developed in the macaque ( Martin-2000 ) and is absent in the human ( MacLean-1990 ). The name frequently appears as a synonym for the ventral tegmental area (VTA) ( Anthoney-1994 ). The VTA and VTN differ, however, in that the neurons in VTA are dopaminergic and located more rostrally in the ventral midbrain, while those of the VTN are serotonergic and located more caudally ( Anthoney-1994 ). Final 4 April 2025.

Also known as: ventral tegmental nucleus, Nucleus ventralis tegmenti, Nucleus ventralis tegmenti (Gudden), Nucleus tegmenti ventralis, Ganglion tegmenti ventrale, Ganglion profundum tegmenti, ventral tegmental nucleus of Gudden, deep tegmental nucleus of Gudden, ventral raphe tegmental nucleus, ventral tegmental nucleus (Gudden)

NeuroNames ID: 518

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