The subfornical organ as a model of neurohumoral integration.

Through its specialized morphology, sensitivity to angiotensin II, and strategic anatomical connections, the subfornical organ is intimately involved in the translation of peripheral thirst to behavioral and physiological actions for establishing body fluid homeostasis. Evidence identifying the subfornical organ as a "neuroendocrine transducer" is summarized in categories based on its structure-function relationships with systemic blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and its afferent and efferent neural connections.