Basal Ganglia

The caudate and putamen are collectively known as which of the following structures?

• Striatum

• Globus pallidus

• Subthalmic nucleus

• Substantia nigra

Pars reticulata and pars compacta are both structures that make up the substantia nigra.

• True

• False

What is the structure highlighted in green in the image below?

• Substantia nigra

• Subthalmic nucleus

• Caudate

• Putamen

List the four circuits/loops that describe the function of the basal ganglia.

Answer explanation

Basal Ganglia Functions

1. Goal Directed behaviour loop (non-motor)

2. Social behaviour loop (non-motor)

3. Emotion loop (non-motor)

4. Motor loop (motor)

In the motor loop of the basal ganglia, information is sent back from the basal ganglia to the motor cortex via the...

• Cerebellum

• Putamen

• Globus pallidus

• Thalamus

The basal ganglia's role in movement is to regulate desired movements and inhibit undesired movements.

• True

• False

The basal ganglia's responsibility for regulating movements includes which type of movements? Select all that apply

• Voluntary movement

• Postural movement

• Rhythmic movement

• Muscle tone (force)

Match the type of basal ganglia motor loop pathway with its correct function.

• Allow desired movements

• Basal ganglia

• Prevent undesired and allow desired movements

• Indirect pathway

• Prevent undesired movements

• Direct pathway

What neurotransmitter is considered to be 'the fuel' of the basal ganglia?

• Serotonin

• Acetylcholine

• Adrenaline

• Dopamine

Dopaminergic producing neurons are found in the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra

• True

• False