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perifornical

Perifornical is an anatomical term describing a region surrounding the fornix within the hypothalamus, most often referring to the perifornical portion of the lateral hypothalamic area. The term emphasizes location relative to the fornix tract and the third ventricle, and it is used in neuroanatomical descriptions, histology, and neuroimaging to delineate a specific hypothalamic territory.

Cellular composition in the perifornical area includes orexin (hypocretin)–producing neurons, which project to multiple brain regions

Functions attributed to the perifornical region are closely tied to the functions of orexin neurons. These

Clinical relevance centers on the perifornical area’s involvement in sleep disorders and metabolic regulation. Dysfunction or

See also: hypothalamus, lateral hypothalamus, orexin, narcolepsy.

involved
in
arousal,
reward,
and
autonomic
control.
The
region
also
contains
other
neuronal
populations
and
receives
inputs
related
to
energy
balance,
stress,
and
circadian
signals.
Its
boundaries
are
defined
in
relation
to
nearby
hypothalamic
nuclei
and
tracts,
such
as
the
lateral
hypothalamus
and
the
fornix.
neurons
play
a
prominent
role
in
promoting
wakefulness
and
arousal,
while
also
influencing
appetite
and
energy
expenditure.
As
a
site
where
metabolic
state
interfaces
with
arousal,
the
perifornical
area
contributes
to
the
regulation
of
sleep–wake
cycles,
feeding
behavior,
and
autonomic
responses.
loss
of
orexin
neurons
in
neighboring
hypothalamic
regions
is
linked
to
narcolepsy
and
altered
sleep
architecture,
as
well
as
metabolic
dysregulation.
Experimental
modulation
of
this
region
in
animal
models
affects
wakefulness,
feeding,
and
stress
responses.