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supraoptic nucleus of hypothalamus

A large-celled neurosecretory nucleus in the hypothalamus, located over the lateral border of the optic tract, from which the supraopticohypophysial tract arises; its neurons produce and transport vasopressin released into the general circulation from the axon terminals in the supraopticohypophysial tract.

Synonym: nucleus supraopticus hypothalami, supraoptic nucleus.