Locus Coeruleus

The Locus Coeruleus is a section of the brain located in the pons which is part of the brainstem. The locus coeruleus produces noradrenaline (also known as norepinphrine) which is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is important for alertness and concentration. Neurons in the locus coeruleus vary in levels of activity based on arousal and mental processes that are occuring in the organism at that time. The release of noradrenaline is dependant on arousal level with high arousal increasing the amount of noradrenaline that is being released by the locus coeruleus. Logic processes, emotion, learning, and stress are areas in which the locus coeruleus is integral.