Basal ganglia
Basal Ganglia
The Basal Ganglia (pronounced: /ˈbeɪsəl ˈɡæŋgliə/) is a group of subcortical nuclei, of varied origin, in the brains of vertebrates, including humans, which are situated at the base of the forebrain and top of the midbrain.
Etymology
The term "Basal Ganglia" is derived from the Greek words "basis" which means base and "ganglion" which means a mass of nerve tissue.
Function
The Basal Ganglia are associated with a variety of functions, including control of voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, habit learning, eye movements, cognition, and emotion.
Structure
The Basal Ganglia include the striatum, globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra. Each of these components has a complex internal anatomical and neurochemical organization.
Clinical significance
Dysfunction of the Basal Ganglia forms the core of many movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
Related terms
- Striatum: One of the major components of the Basal Ganglia, which is critical for the normal functioning of the brain.
- Globus pallidus: A subcortical structure of the brain, involved in the regulation of voluntary movement.
- Subthalamic nucleus: A small lens-shaped nucleus in the brain where it is, from a functional point of view, part of the Basal Ganglia system.
- Substantia nigra: A basal ganglia structure located in the midbrain that plays an important role in reward and movement.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Basal ganglia
- Wikipedia's article - Basal ganglia
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