Rostral ventrolateral medulla

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), also known as the pressor area of the medulla, is a part of the ventrolateral medulla in the brainstem responsible for basal and reflex control of sympathetic activity associated with cardiovascular function.^[1] Abnormally elevated sympathetic activity in the RVLM is associated with various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure and hypertension.^[1] The RVLM is notably involved in the baroreflex.

It receives inhibitory GABAergic input from the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM). The RVLM is a primary regulator of the sympathetic nervous system; it sends catecholaminergic projections to the sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the intermediolateral nucleus of the spinal cord via reticulospinal tract.^{[citation needed]}

Physostigmine, a choline-esterase inhibitor, elevates endogenous levels of acetylcholine and causes a rise in blood pressure by stimulation of the RVLM.^[2] Orexinergic neurons from the lateral hypothalamus output in the RVLM.^{[citation needed]}