BASAL GANGLIA

There

are collection of nerve cells at the base of the brain. These subcortical areas are called basal ganglia.

However,

the term ganglia isnt apt as they are the group of nerve cells out of the central nervous system. Hence, we call it basal nucleus.

 Main

Basal Gaglia are :

i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Caudate Nucleus Putamen Globus Pallidus Substantia Nigra Subthalamus (Subthalamic Nuclei of Lewis)

Corpus Striatum Caudate Nucleus

Neo-striatum

Putamen

Globus Pallidus Lentiform Nucleus

 There

are structures close to basal ganglia, which function together are :

i.
ii. iii. iv. v.

Thalamic nuclei Reticular formation Red nucleus Vestibular nucleus Olivary nucleus

Functions of Basal Ganglia

1.

2.

Inhibition of muscle tone : Mainly the caudate nucleus drive the activity of bulboreticular formation which gives rise to extra-pyramidal tracts, which inhibits muscle tone. Inhibition of motor cortex :The activity of motor cortex is checked by basal ganglia and cerebellum. Basal ganglia gives inhibitory signals to motor cortex via thalamus

3. Corpus striatum helps to initiate and regulate gross intentional movements of body. 4. Globus pallidus helps in developing background muscle tone. 5. Basal Ganglia helps to control axial and girdle movements of body.

Main Basal Nuclei structures

Caudate

Location : Near the center of the brain, sitting astride the thalamus. Structure : It has wider head at the front, tapering to a body and a tail. Function : The caudate is known to be an important part of the brain's learning and memory system. Also, Language comprehension Role in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Nucleus :

 Putamen

Location : The putamen is a round structure located at the base of the forebrain (telencephalon). Function : Putamen also plays a role in the selection of movement and the "automatic" performance of previously learned movements.

 Globus

Pallidus :

The globus pallidus also known as paleostriatum, is a sub-cortical structure of the brain. Function : Regulation of voluntary movement. Regulation of movements that occur at subconscious level.

 Substantia

Nigra :

Location : The substantia nigra is a brain structure located in the mesencephalon (midbrain) Structure : The substantia nigra is divided into two parts: the pars reticulata and pars compacta, which lies medial to the pars reticulata. Function : Eye movement Motor planning Reward seeking Learning Addiction

Direct and Indirect Pathways of the Basal Nuclei circuit.

Abnormalities
1.

2.

Chorea : Ceaseless rapid complex body movements that look well coordinated and purposeful but are, in fact, involuntary. Probably, theres deficiency of GABA at corpus striatum. Athetosis : Athetosis is a condition that is characterized by involuntary, writhing movements of the neck, fingers, arms and legs. Defect is found at globus pallidus. Treated by diazepam group of drugs.

3.

4.

Hemiballismus : These are involuntary flinging movements occurring through wide range involving half side of the body. These movements are seen, when there is damage to subthalamic nucleus. Parkinsonism : It is a clinical condition characterized by rigidity, tremors and akinesia due to deficiency of dopamine at corpus striatum.