Periaqueductal gray

The periaqueductal gray ( Latin substantia grisea periaquaeductalis ) or central gray matter ( Latin substantia grisea centralis ) is a collection of nerve cell bodies, a core area complex, which is located in the tegmentum and the " Liquorleitung " of the midbrain ( mesencephalic aqueduct ) surrounds.

This core complex is important for the opioidergic, descending pain suppression. In this connection, it sends efferent fibers to the serotonergic raphe nuclei. He also has an important function in the limbic system and coordinated by the way fear and flight reflexes, which is why he is often reticular formation counted for.

• Heartland