Term Name:	locus ceruleus
Synonyms:	blue nucleus, caerulean nucleus, loci coeruleus, locus caeruleus, locus cinereus, locus coeruleu, locus coeruleus, locus coeruleus (Vicq d'Azyr), nucleus loci caerulei, nucleus of locus caeruleus, nucleus pigmentosus pontis, substantia ferruginea
Definition:	The locus ceruleus is a dense cluster of neurons within the dorsorostral pons. This nucleus is the major location of neurons that release norepinephrine throughout the brain, and is responsible for physiological responses to stress and panic[GO]. Bluish region in the superior angle of the fourth ventricle floor, corresponding to melanin-like pigmented nerve cells which lie lateral to the ponto-mesencephalic central gray (griseum centrale). It is also known as nucleus pigmentosus pontis[GAID].
Ontology:	Uberon Ontology [UBERON:0002148]