Area Postrema (also known as Area Postremas, Postrema, Area): A small, rounded eminence on each side of the FOURTH VENTRICLE, which receives nerve fibers from the SOLITARY NUCLEUS; SPINAL CORD; and adjacent areas of the MEDULLA OBLONGATA. The area postrema lies outside the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and its functions include

NIH MeSH · D031608Anatomy

Area Postrema

Also known asArea Postremas · Postrema, Area · Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone · Chemoreceptor Trigger Zones · Trigger Zone, Chemoreceptor · Trigger Zones, Chemoreceptor · Zone, Chemoreceptor Trigger · Zones, Chemoreceptor Trigger

Definition

A small, rounded eminence on each side of the FOURTH VENTRICLE, which receives nerve fibers from the SOLITARY NUCLEUS; SPINAL CORD; and adjacent areas of the MEDULLA OBLONGATA. The area postrema lies outside the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and its functions include acting as an emetic chemoreceptor.

MeSH classification

  • A06.688.178.500
  • A08.186.211.132.810.591.500.286
  • A08.713.049.500

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Common questions about Area Postrema

What does Area Postrema mean in medicine?
A small, rounded eminence on each side of the FOURTH VENTRICLE, which receives nerve fibers from the SOLITARY NUCLEUS; SPINAL CORD; and adjacent areas of the MEDULLA OBLONGATA. The area postrema lies outside the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and its functions include acting as an emetic chemoreceptor. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Area Postrema known by any other names?
Yes. Area Postrema is also referred to as Area Postremas, Postrema, Area, Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone, Chemoreceptor Trigger Zones in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Area Postrema sit in the medical classification?
Area Postrema falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A06.688.178.500, A08.186.211.132.810.591.500.286, A08.713.049.500). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Area Postrema?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D031608) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗