Medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ)
(anatomy and physiology)
It is located in the Medulla (i.e. Part of the brain) that is responsible for monitoring the bloodstream and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for signs of foreign toxins that might be harmful to the body. It plays an indirect role in stimulation of vomiting that when triggered it sends signals to the vomiting Center (which is also located in the Medulla) of the brain. If the signals persist the vomiting Center will in turn send sickness-inducing signals through the vagus nerve to the stomach.
Examples of cases wherein CTZ is triggered are the presence of bacteria or viruses irritating the stomach lining, inhalation/ingestion of chemicals/drugs/toxin detexcted in the blood of cerebrospinal fluid, over-eating (i.e. when too much food in the stomach leads to irritation of the stomach wall). However, few exceptions are emotional/psychological causes (e.g. Fear, disgust, anxiety) wherein the CTZ is by-passed altogether and the higher brain centers (ones that control emotions and memories) stimulate the vomiting Center.
Dictionary > Medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone
You will also like...

Growth and Plant Hormones
Plants, like animals, produce hormones to regulate plant activities, including growth. They need these hormones to respo..

Homeostasis of Organism Water Regulation
Osmoregulation is the regulation of water concentrations in the bloodstream, effectively controlling the amount of water..

New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History
Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..

Ecological Research: Measuring & Analysis
This lesson is about the methods used for ecological research, such as quadrat and transect sampling, canopy fogging, an..

Photosynthesis – Photolysis and Carbon Fixation
Photosynthesis is the process that plants undertake to create organic materials from carbon dioxide and water, with the ..

New Zealand’s Unique Flora
If New Zealand has lots of unique animals, it's also got a whole lot of unique plants. Find out more about some of them,..