PSYC 211 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8.4: Huntingtin, Genetic Disorder, Balance Disorder
3 Jun 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
The basal ganglia constitute an important component of the motor system, as damage causes severe motor deficits. Through these connections, the basal ganglia influence movements under the control of the primary motor cortex and exert some direct control over the ventromedial system. The cortex and the basal ganglia form a loop: the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex send axons to the caudate nucleus and the putamen, which then connect with the globus pallidus. Throughout this system, information is represented somatotopically. Another important input to the basal ganglia comes from the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Recall that degradation of the negrostriatal bundle leads to parkinson"s. There are many complexities to consider when speaking about the cortical-basal ganglia loop. The general functions of the direct and indirect pathways have long been understood, but the hyperdirect pathway was recognized much more recently.
