Central Subdivision of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BSTC)
A structure that is larger in males than in females and in MtF transsexual individuals; it is closely connected to the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, and in rats it mediates pheromone signaling.
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) is a cluster of nuclei in the brain that are involved in regulating various physiological responses to stress and anxiety. The central subdivision of the BST (BSTC) is one of these nuclei, and it is known to play an important role in fear and anxiety-related behaviors.
More specifically, the BSTC regulates the autonomic nervous system, which controls many of the body’s basic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It receives input from other brain regions, such as the amygdala, which is involved in the processing of emotional information, and the hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation.
The BSTC has been implicated in various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Animal studies have shown that lesions or manipulations of the BSTC can alter anxiety-related behavior in response to stressors. Additionally, functional imaging studies in humans have shown increased activity in the BSTC in response to fearful or threatening stimuli.
Overall, the BSTC is a critical part of the brain’s stress response system, and its dysfunction may contribute to the development or maintenance of anxiety and stress-related disorders.
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