Direct pathway
Direct Pathway
The Direct Pathway (pronunciation: /dɪˈrɛkt ˈpæθˌweɪ/) is a term used in neuroscience to describe a specific sequence of neuronal connections in the basal ganglia that facilitate voluntary movement.
Etymology
The term "Direct Pathway" is derived from its function. It directly connects the cortex to the motor neurons, bypassing any intermediate steps, hence the name "direct".
Function
The Direct Pathway is primarily involved in the initiation and execution of voluntary movements. It works by inhibiting the output of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), which are the main output nuclei of the basal ganglia. This inhibition allows the thalamus to send excitatory signals to the cortex, which then initiates movement.
Related Terms
- Basal Ganglia: A group of nuclei in the brain associated with a variety of functions including control of voluntary motor movements.
- Cortex: The outer layer of the brain, involved in many higher-order brain functions.
- Motor Neurons: Neurons that carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement.
- Globus Pallidus Internus (GPi): One of the output nuclei of the basal ganglia.
- Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata (SNr): Another output nucleus of the basal ganglia.
- Thalamus: A large mass of gray matter in the dorsal part of the diencephalon of the brain with several functions such as relaying of sensory signals, including motor signals, to the cerebral cortex.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Direct pathway
- Wikipedia's article - Direct pathway
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