What is "locus coeruleus"

alt. 1 A small nucleus located bilaterally in the pons. 2 A nucleus which contains norepinephrine and has projections to most of the brain. n. 1 A small nucleus located bilaterally in the pons. 2 A nucleus which contains norepinephrine and has projections to most of the brain.

The locus coeruleus (\-si-ˈrü-lē-əs\, also spelled locus caeruleus or locus ceruleus) is a nucleus in the pons (part of the brainstem) involved with physiological responses to stress and panic.

The locus coeruleus is the principal site for brain synthesis of norepinephrine (noradrenaline). The locus coeruleus and the areas of the body affected by the norepinephrine it produces are described collectively as the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system or LC-NA system. Norepinephrine may also be released directly into the blood from the adrenal medulla.