Basal ganglia and cerebrum

Question 1

What are the basal ganglia?

Answer 1

Refers to the subcortical nuclei. Region of the base of the brain consisting of 3 clusters of neurons. These consist of the putamen, caudate nucleus and globus pallidus).

Question 2

Basal ganglia = basal nuclei. True/false?

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Function of basal ganglia?

Answer 3

Primarily responsible for motor control.

Question 4

Dysfunction to basal ganglia can cause what symptoms?

Answer 4

Tremors
Athetosis (slow, involuntary, writhing movements of fingers, hands, toes and feet).
Chorea (involuntary spasmodic movement of limbs and facial muscles).

Question 5

What 2 conditions are caused by basal ganglia dysfunction?

Answer 5

Parkinson’s disease - degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of substantine nigra.
Huntington’s disease - autosomal dominant. Progressive degeneration of basal ganglia and cerebral cortex.