organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT)

Function

• it serves as a chemoreceptor zone that senses osmolality & alters vasopressin (ADH) secretion

Structure

• a circumventricular organ located in the anterior wall of the 3rd ventricle between the optic chiasm & the anterior commissure
• the OVLT is characterized by the absence of a blood-brain barrier with fenestrated endothelium

More general terms

• circumventricular organ
• brain structure

Additional terms

• osmolality (Osm)
• vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH)