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

All Names & Sources

Showing 17 synonym(s)

Language
Name
Source
English
deep tegmental nucleus of Gudden
English
ventral raphe tegmental nucleus
English
ventral tegmental nucleus
English
ventral tegmental nucleus
English
ventral tegmental nucleus (Gudden)
English
ventral tegmental nucleus of Gudden
Species With The Structure
Equivalent By Human Macaque Rat Mouse
Internal Structure Relevant Data Not Located Relevant Data Not Located Has The Structure Relevant Data Not Located

Showing 1 record(s)

Basis
Has Equivalent
Organism
Their Name
Source
Internal Structure
Yes
ventral tegmental nucleus (Gudden)
Models Where It Appears
Functional CNS Model - Rat

The Functional CNS Model - Rat (FMrat) ( Swanson-2004) is one of three hierarchical models representing the internal organization of the central nervous system (CNS). The others are the Structural CNS Model - Human (SThmn) and the Functional CNS Model - Human (FMhmn). The FMrat model represents the basic organization of the mouse ( Hof-2000 AMBA-2024 ) and, presumably, other rodents. Functional CNS models differ from structural models in that structures are defined and named by connectivity rather than by proximity to other structures at the same level. Functional models are more useful for representing longitudinal components of are grouped based on information drawn from multiple neuroscientific disciplines. such as connections, neurochemical characteristics, and role in physiogical and behavioral processes. While the Functional Model was developed primarily for an atlas of the rat brain ( Swanson-2004 ), the hierarchical organization of structures is for the most part applicable to the human, macaque, mouse and other mammalian brains as well. Structures at lower levels of the Functional CNS hierarchy are largely the same as in the Classical and Developmental Models, i.e., they were originally identified by stains for gray matter (Nissl substance) and white matter (myelin). At the next higher level they are grouped into basic connectional and functional systems of the CNS, such as the subcortical sensory systems, the brainstem motor system and the behavioral state system. At the highest levels CNS structures are grouped on the basis of dissection and embryologic precursors into cerebrum ( cerebral cortex and cerebral nuclei ), cerebellum, and cerebrospinal trunk.