Subthalamic fasciculus: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
 
CSV import
 
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Subthalamic fasciculus''' is a part of the [[human brain]] that is involved in the regulation of movement. It is a component of the [[basal ganglia]], a group of nuclei located deep within the cerebral hemispheres.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Subthalamic fasciculus}}


==Etymology==
==Subthalamic fasciculus==
The term "subthalamic" is derived from the Latin words "sub" meaning under, and "thalamus" meaning inner chamber. The term "fasciculus" is derived from the Latin word "fasciculus" meaning small bundle. Thus, "subthalamic fasciculus" refers to a small bundle of nerve fibers located beneath the thalamus.
The '''subthalamic fasciculus''' is a bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that plays a crucial role in the [[basal ganglia]] circuitry. It is primarily involved in the regulation of movement and is associated with the [[subthalamic nucleus]] and the [[globus pallidus]].


==Anatomy==
[[File:DA-loops_in_PD.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram of dopamine loops in Parkinson's disease, illustrating the role of the subthalamic fasciculus.]]
The subthalamic fasciculus is a white matter tract that connects the [[subthalamic nucleus]] and the [[globus pallidus]]. It is part of the [[internal capsule]], a white matter structure situated in the inferomedial part of each cerebral hemisphere of the brain.


==Function==
===Anatomy===
The subthalamic fasciculus plays a crucial role in the regulation of movement. It is involved in the transmission of signals from the subthalamic nucleus to the globus pallidus, which are key components of the basal ganglia circuitry. This circuitry is responsible for the control of voluntary movements and the regulation of muscle tone.
The subthalamic fasciculus is located in the [[diencephalon]], a region of the brain that includes the [[thalamus]] and the subthalamic nucleus. It consists of fibers that connect the subthalamic nucleus to the globus pallidus, forming part of the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia.


==Clinical significance==
===Function===
Damage to the subthalamic fasciculus can result in movement disorders such as [[Parkinson's disease]] and [[Huntington's disease]]. These disorders are characterized by a loss of control over voluntary movements, leading to symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
The primary function of the subthalamic fasciculus is to modulate motor activity. It is involved in the indirect pathway, which inhibits movement. This pathway is essential for the fine-tuning of motor commands and the prevention of unwanted movements.


==See also==
===Clinical significance===
The subthalamic fasciculus is of particular interest in the study of [[Parkinson's disease]], a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. In Parkinson's disease, the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the [[substantia nigra]] leads to an imbalance in the basal ganglia circuitry, affecting the subthalamic fasciculus.
 
[[File:DA-loops_in_PD.jpg|thumb|left|The subthalamic fasciculus is involved in the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia, which is affected in Parkinson's disease.]]
 
===Surgical interventions===
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus is a common surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease. This procedure can help alleviate symptoms by modulating the activity of the subthalamic fasciculus and restoring balance to the basal ganglia circuitry.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Basal ganglia]]
* [[Basal ganglia]]
* [[Subthalamic nucleus]]
* [[Subthalamic nucleus]]
* [[Globus pallidus]]
* [[Globus pallidus]]
* [[Internal capsule]]
* [[Parkinson's disease]]
* [[Deep brain stimulation]]


[[Category:Neuroanatomy]]
[[Category:Neuroanatomy]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]
[[Category:Basal ganglia]]
[[Category:Human brain]]
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:08, 15 February 2025


Subthalamic fasciculus[edit]

The subthalamic fasciculus is a bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that plays a crucial role in the basal ganglia circuitry. It is primarily involved in the regulation of movement and is associated with the subthalamic nucleus and the globus pallidus.

File:DA-loops in PD.jpg
Diagram of dopamine loops in Parkinson's disease, illustrating the role of the subthalamic fasciculus.

Anatomy[edit]

The subthalamic fasciculus is located in the diencephalon, a region of the brain that includes the thalamus and the subthalamic nucleus. It consists of fibers that connect the subthalamic nucleus to the globus pallidus, forming part of the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the subthalamic fasciculus is to modulate motor activity. It is involved in the indirect pathway, which inhibits movement. This pathway is essential for the fine-tuning of motor commands and the prevention of unwanted movements.

Clinical significance[edit]

The subthalamic fasciculus is of particular interest in the study of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. In Parkinson's disease, the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra leads to an imbalance in the basal ganglia circuitry, affecting the subthalamic fasciculus.

File:DA-loops in PD.jpg
The subthalamic fasciculus is involved in the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia, which is affected in Parkinson's disease.

Surgical interventions[edit]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus is a common surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease. This procedure can help alleviate symptoms by modulating the activity of the subthalamic fasciculus and restoring balance to the basal ganglia circuitry.

Related pages[edit]