Noradrenaline system

The Noradrenaline system consists of noradrenergic neurons in the brain which form a neurotransmitter system, that, when activated, exerts effects on large areas of the brain. The effects are alertness and arousal, and influences on the reward system.

Anatomically, the noradrenergic neurons originate both in the locus coeruleus and the lateral tegmental field. The axons of the neurons in the locus coeruleus act on adrenergic receptors in:


 * Spinal cord
 * Thalamus
 * Hypothalamus
 * Striatum
 * Neocortex
 * Cingulate gyrus
 * Cingulum
 * Hippocampus
 * Amygdala

On the other hand, axons of neurons of the lateral tegmental field act on adrenergic receptors in hypothalamus, for example.

This structure explains some of the clinical uses of norepinephrine, since a modification of the system affects large areas of the brain.