[2] The VOLT monitors the presence of peptides and macromolecules in the bloodstream, and conveys the information to the hypothalamus.
[7][9] The VOLT is one of the three sensory circumventricular organs providing information to other brain regions.
[11][9] Neurons in the VOLT are osmoreceptors sensitive to the sodium content and osmotic pressure of blood.
[9] In a situation of lowered blood volume, secretion of renin by the kidneys results in the production of angiotensin II, which stimulates receptors in the VOLT and subfornical organ to complete a positive feedback loop.
[9][12][13] These neurons also project to the median preoptic nucleus which is involved in controlling thirst.