Basal Ganglia Flashcards
What is the basal ganglia?
Group of subcortical structures
What are the structures that form the basal ganglia?
Lentiform nucleus
Striatum
Subthalamic nucleus
Substantia nigra
What is the lentiform nucleus made up of?
Putamen
Globus pallidus
- externa
- interna
What are the relative positions of the putamen and the globus pallidus?
Putamen is lateral
Globus pallidus is medial
-interna is more medial than externa
What is the striatum made up of?
Putamen
Caudate nucleus
What shape is the caudate nucleus?
C-shaped
What is the substantia nigra made up of?
Substantia nigra pars compacta
Substantia nigra pars reticularis
What are the relative positions of the substantia nigra pars compacta and substantia nigra pars reticularis?
Substantia nigra pars compacta is dorsal
Substantia nigra pars reticularis is ventral
What are the relative positions of the subthalamic nucleus and the substantia nigra?
Subthalamic nucleus is superior
Substantia nigra is inferior
What type of neurones does the substantia nigra pars compacta contain?
Dopaminergic neurones
What are functions of the basal ganglia?
Communicate with cortex and cerebellum
To aid in the initiation of movement
What are the different pathways in the basal ganglia?
Direct pathway
Indirect pathway
What effect does the direct pathway have on the cortex?
Excites the cortex
What effect does the indirect pathway have on the cortex?
Inhibits the cortex
What is dopamine released from in the basal ganglia?
Substantia nigra pars compacta neurones
