habenula

American  

[huh-ben-yuh-luh] / həˈbɛn yə lə /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

habenulae

1. a narrow bandlike structure, as the stalk attaching the pineal gland to the thalamus.

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Other Word Forms

• habenular
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of habenula

1875–80; < Latin: small strip of skin, equivalent to habēn ( a ) strap, thong, rein (derivative of habēre to have, hold, possess; cf. able, habit ¹) + -ula -ule

Example Sentences

The gene proved very active in the habenula, a region of the cichlid’s brain that registers fear and instigates movement.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 24, 2024

Employing patch-clamp electrophysiology, researchers elucidated changes in neuronal excitability in the medial habenula and ventral tegmental area based on nicotine dosage and sex.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2024

The habenula might potentially store its location, enabling it to reconstruct sequences of movement.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2024

When nicotine binds to neuronal receptors in a brain region called the habenula, Kenny found, it prompts the pancreas to release glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 10, 2021

Remission of major depression under deep brain stimulation of the lateral habenula in a therapy-refractory patient.

From Nature • Feb. 13, 2018