Cerebral nuclei, also known as basal ganglia, are a group of subcortical structures in the brain that play a crucial role in coordinating movement and regulating motor control. They are involved in various functions, including the facilitation of voluntary movements, the inhibition of unwanted movements, and the processing of reward-related behaviors. Key components of the basal ganglia include the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus, along with the subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra. Dysfunction in these nuclei is associated with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
Grey matter is distributed at the surface of the cerebral hemispheres (cerebral cortex) and of the cerebellum (cerebellar cortex), as well as in the depths of the cerebrum (thalamus; hypothalamus; subthalamus, basal ganglia - putamen, globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens; septal nuclei), cerebellar (deep cerebellar nuclei - dentate nucleus, globose nucleus, emboliform nucleus, fastigial nucleus), brainstem (substantia nigra, red nucleus, olivary nuclei, cranial nerve nuclei) and spinal grey matter (anterior horn, lateral horn, posterior horn).
basal ganglia
A basal ganglion is any of a group of nuclei in the brain interconnected with the cerebral cortex, the thalamus and the brainstem.
The nuclei deep within the cerebral hemisphere white matter are collectively called basal ganglia. These structures are involved in many motor functions and play a role in various cognitive functions as well.
cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, brainstem and basal nuclei
The lentiform nucleus along with the caudate nuclei are collectively known as the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is located deep inside the cerebral cortex and controls some motor functions.
Specific nuclei of the thalamus are a group of nuclei that have well-defined connections with specific regions of the cerebral cortex. Examples include the ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL), which relays sensory information to the somatosensory cortex, and the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), which relays visual information to the primary visual cortex.
The cerebellum processes inputs from the cerebral motor cortex, brain stem nuclei, and sensory receptors. It integrates this information to coordinate smooth and coordinated voluntary movements. It also plays a key role in balance and posture.
premotor area of cerebral cortex (area 6)corpus striatum (caudate & lentiform nuclei)subthalamic nucleus (in subthalamus)red nucleus (in midbrain)substantia nigra (in midbrain)inferior olivary nucleus (in medulla)nuclei of reticular formation (in brainstem)
Increased production of acetylcholine in cerebral nuclei would enhance neurotransmission in the central nervous system, leading to improved cognitive function, enhanced memory formation, and potentially increased muscle movement or tone. However, excessive levels of acetylcholine could also lead to overstimulation of neurons, potentially resulting in conditions such as seizures or tremors.
The tiny islands of gray matter that awaken the cerebral cortex are known as the thalamic nuclei. These structures serve as relay stations, transmitting sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex and playing a crucial role in regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness. By processing and filtering incoming information, they help to modulate cortical activity and enhance cognitive functions.
There are four categories of cerebral hypoxia; in order of severity they are: diffuse cerebral hypoxia (DCH), focal cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarction, and global cerebral ischemia.