Subcortical Structures

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei located deep in the brain involved in motor control and cognitive functions such as learning and emotion regulation.

Basal Ganglia: Motor Control.

regulate voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, and routine behaviors or habits.

Basal Ganglia: Cognitive and Emotional Functions.

Decision making and emotional responses.

Basal Ganglia: Dopamine Pathways.

The part called The Substantia Nigra produces Dopamine, which is critical for controlling movement.

Thalamus.

The relay station located deep within the brain, near the center.

Thalamus: Sensory Relay.

Receives sensory information from the body (except smell) and relays it to the appropriate cortical areas for processing.

Thalamus: Motor Signals.

Transmits motor signals from the Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum to the motor cortex.

Thalamus: Regulation of Consciousness and Sleep.

Involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles and maintaining consciousness by controlling cortical arousal.

Hypothalamus.

Is below the Thalamus, is small but critical structure responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Hypothalamus: Regulation of Autonomic Functions.

Controls autonomic processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and body temperature.

Hypothalamus: Endocrine Control.

Controls the Pituitary gland, influencing hormone release.

Hypothalamus: Temperature Regulation.

Monitors and adjusts the body’s temperature.

Hypothalamus: Hunger and Thirst.

Regulates appetite and fluid intake.

Hypothalamus: Circadian Rhythms.

Regulates sleep-wake cycles and other circadian rhythms.

Limbic System.

Complex set of Structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Hippocampus.

Essential for the formation and retrieval of memories and spatial navigation.

Amygdala.

Involved in emotional processing, particularly fear and pleasure responses.

Cingulate Gyrus.

Plays a role in regulating emotions and pain, as well as predicting and avoiding negative consequences.