circumventricular organs

four small structures located along the third and fourth ventricles at the base of the brain, outside the blood–brain barrier, that are believed to influence body fluid homeostasis, thirst, vomiting, and other physiological functions. Also called circumventricular system. See also area postrema; organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis; subcommissural organ; subfornical organ.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

action readiness

action readiness

a state of preparedness for action that is elicited as part of an emotional response and associated with such physiological indicators as changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and muscle tension. The term is often used synonymously with action tendency but also refers to a general readiness for action that does not involve an urge to carry out a specific behavior.