The habenula is a small paired nucleus at the back of the thalamus, near the base of the pineal stalk. It acts as a hub between the forebrain and the brainstem monoamine centres. The lateral habenula signals disappointment and negative outcomes by suppressing dopamine and serotonin neurons.
| Location | Habenular trigone on the dorsomedial surface of the posterior thalamus, beside the third ventricle |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Medial posterior choroidal arteries |
Encodes negative reward signals and controls dopamine and serotonin release, influencing motivation, avoidance learning and mood.
Overactivity of the lateral habenula has been linked to depression in research studies, and ketamine's rapid antidepressant effect may partly act here. The habenula has been explored as an experimental deep brain stimulation target for severe depression. Its calcification is common and usually harmless on imaging.
Increased lateral habenula activity is associated with depressive behaviour in experimental and imaging studies.
A common incidental CT finding in adults that is usually of no clinical importance.
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