Supraoptic Nucleus

The supraoptic nucleus is a neuronal structure which lies in the hypothalamus alongside the optic chiasm at the base of the brain. It consists of magnocellular neurosecretory cells, which produce oxytocin and vasopressin hormones. These hormones are released in the general blood circulation by axons terminals in the supraoptic nucleus. In human, the supraoptic nucleus is made up of around 4,000 neurons.