magnocellular neurosecretory cell


magnocellular neurosecretory cell

A large, electrically excitable neuroendocrine neuron found in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and in lesser numbers in accessory cell groups between these two nuclei, the largest one being the nucleus circularis which generates action potentials in response to afferent stimulation. Magnocellular neurosecretory cells produce oxytocin and/or vasopressin.