A subdivision of the midline nuclear group that’s further divided into the nucleus parataenialis interstitialis and nucleus parataenialis parvocellulari. It it positioned above the paraventricular nucleus and below the anterodorsal nucleus. The paratenial nucleus projects to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala but more to the medial prefrontal and entorhinal cortices and ventral subiculum of the hippocampus. Afferents to the paratenial nucleus include the brainstem, hypothalamus, and limbic forebrain. This gives the paratenial nucleus its role associated with arousal and attention, particularly awareness of changing environmental conditions.