Basal Ganglia Overview

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the structure and function of the basal ganglia as discussed in the lecture.

Basal Ganglia (BG)

A group of nuclei in the forebrain and upper part of the brainstem important for motor activity.

Pyramidal System

A neural pathway involved in motor system control that the basal ganglia influence.

Striatum

The collective term for the caudate nucleus and putamen.

Lenticular Nucleus

The structure formed by the putamen and globus pallidus.

Internal Capsule

The space between the major masses of the basal ganglia that contains motor and sensory nerve fibers connecting the cerebral cortex and spinal cord.

Putamen Circuit

A principal role of basal ganglia in motor control associated with complex patterns of motor activities.

Caudate Nucleus

Part of the basal ganglia that possesses a head and tail, involved in cognitive functions.

Subthalamic Nucleus

A structure within the basal ganglia that has connections to the globus pallidus and substantia nigra.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter released by the substantia nigra that inhibits motor activity.

Parkinson Disease (PD)

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia.

Bradykinesia

A symptom of PD that refers to slowness of movement.

Chorea

A movement disorder characterized by jerky, non-repetitive, and rapid movements associated with caudate nucleus dysfunction.

Huntington’s Disease

An autosomal dominant disorder that leads to the degeneration of GABA-ergic and cholinergic neurons projecting to the putamen.

Functional Role of Basal Ganglia

Planning and programming of motor activity, control of muscle tone, and execution of subconscious movements.

Neurotransmitters in BG

Dopamine, GABA, acetylcholine, and glutamic acid play crucial roles in the functioning of the basal ganglia.

Movement Disorders

Conditions like athetosis, ballism, and akathisia that arise due to dysfunction in the basal ganglia.

Neural Pathways

Connections that involve input and output between basal ganglia and cerebral cortex via the thalamus.