Control of Movement: Cerebellum & Basal Ganglia

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the cerebellum and basal ganglia, their functions, the neurotransmitter systems involved, and relevant movement disorders.

A brain structure that coordinates voluntary movements, timing of movements, and fine motor control.

Cerebellum

A group of nuclei in the brain involved in movement regulation and motor control, including aspects of learning and execution of habitual actions.

Basal Ganglia

Neuronal circuits within the striatum that release GABA as their neurotransmitter, influencing inhibitory aspects of movement.

GABAergic circuitry

The release of dopamine from neurons in the substantia nigra, which plays a critical role in modulating movement via the basal ganglia.

Dopaminergic input

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to movement difficulties.

Parkinson's disease

A genetic disorder resulting in neurodegeneration and characterized by uncontrolled movements, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances.

Huntington's disease

Neurotransmission involving glutamate that acts as an excitatory signal in the brain, particularly relevant to inputs into the striatum.

Glutamatergic input

The pathway in the basal ganglia that facilitates movement by exciting neurons with D1 receptors and inhibiting targets in the globus pallidus internal segment.

Direct pathway

The pathway in the basal ganglia that inhibits movement by inhibiting neurons with D2 receptors, allowing for disinhibition of targets in the globus pallidus internal segment.

Indirect pathway

The process through which we acquire skills and improve our motor performance, involving the reduction of motor errors during practice.

Motor learning