Chapter 3.9 Basal Ganglia

Question 1

What is the basal ganglia?

Answer 1

• consist of several masses of grey matter located deep within the cerebral white matter
• associated with a variety of functions including motor control, cognition, emotions and learning
• play a complex role in controlling movement

Question 2

What is the role of the basal ganglia in controlling movement?

Answer 2

• inhibiting muscle tone throughout the body
• selecting & maintaining purposeful motor activity while suppressing useless or unwanted patterns of movement
• helping monitor and coordinate slow, sustained contractions, such as in posture and support

Question 3

How is the basal ganglia connected to Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 3

Parkinson’s is the most common disease involving the basal ganglia

• associated with deficiency of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter of the basal ganglia
• increased rigidity
• involuntary unwanted movements (tremors)
• slowness in initiating and carrying out different motor behaviours