Basal Ganglia

Question 0

What does the basal ganglia consist of?

Answer 0

Five major nuclei: the caudate, putamen, globus palladus, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus.

Question 1

The Basal Ganglia

Answer 1

Another group of subcortical brain structures that are crucial in planning, organizing, and executing movement (with the frontal lobes).

Question 2

The Putamen

Answer 2

Large nucleus within the basal ganglia complex with similar input-output connections as the caudate.

Question 3

The Caudate (Inputs and Outputs)

Answer 3

Inputs to the basal ganglia from the neocortex primarily come into the caudate and another nucleus called the putamen. The caudate-putamen complex is now usually called the striatum. The output of the caudate is to the globus palladus.

Question 4

The Globus Palladus

Answer 4

The primary output nucleus of the basal ganglia via its inhibitory connections to the thalamus.

Question 5

The Substantia Nigra (function and what it’s associated with)

Answer 5

Sends “enabling” connections to signals passing through the stratum. This nucleus is well know for its involvement in Parkinson’s disease. Without these neurons voluntary movement becomes difficult.

Question 6

The Subthalamic Nucleus

Answer 6

Also modulates the globus palladus output. This nucleus is frequently the target of deep brain stimulation surgical implants to relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s.