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The basal ganglia are a group of interconnected gray mass nuclei involved in motor and non motor functions ( 1). Found in the deep white matter of each cerebral hemisphere. Although it is understood as the joint ganglion cell bodies outside the central nervous system, basal ganglia are an exception to that rule. Some texts still refer to as the basal ganglia, however that term is not used by most neuroscientists (2).

Figure # 1: Diagram of Front Court, Right Hemisphere

The basal ganglia are mainly associated with the start / end of voluntary movements (2) and control settings associated the same (3). Lesions in these areas cause movement disorders such as chorea, athetosis, ballism, dystonia and tics; Note the difference with lesions in the cerebral cortex that usually cause total loss of movement (1). No motor function of the basal ganglia is related to processes cognition and emotion (1).

Figure # 2a: Front Court
Brain Taken http://www.anatomiahumana.ucv.cl/efi/modulo21.html

Figure # 2b: Cross section of brain

http://www.anatomiahumana.ucv.cl/efi/modulo21.html Taken

Figure # 2a and # 2b will be used later to locate the different cores. Both the front and cut in cross section can be seen as a reference the following important structures: Corpus Callosum (point 9), thalamus (item 11), the lateral ventricle (point 12), internal capsule (point 1), the external capsule (point 2) and third ventricle (7). Caudate Nucleus



the caudate nucleus is a C-shaped structure and is higher than the thalamus (Figure # 1). Has three parts: head, body and tail (1). The head of the caudate nucleus is in contact with one wall of the lateral ventricle (Figure # 2, point 4).

is associated with the limbic system (2), especially the anterior (Head). For this reason it is said that is related to emotions such as anger, pleasure, docility and affection (2).

Some studies indicate that the activity of neurons in this nucleus can be seen by eye movements (2) and could be also associated with cognitive processes (3). Lenticular Nucleus



the lenticular nucleus comprises the putamen and globus pallidus (Figure # 1). The putamen is closer to the cerebral cortex (Figure # 2, Item 5) while the globus pallidus is more close to the thalamus (Figure # 2, point 6).

The activity of neurons in the putamen precedes body movements (2), especially arms, legs and face (1). The globus pallidus is involved in the regulation of muscle tone in certain movements.

the lenticular nucleus, together with the caudate nucleus form the corpus striatum.

Figure # 3: Cross Section of the brain
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claustrum

Claustrum
The Claustrum is
a thin core is located between the putamen and cerebral cortex. Little is known about its function (4). It is believed to be associated with the state of awareness and coordination of cortical regions, but none of this has been demonstrated (4).


amygdaloid nuclei amygdaloid
The core is located in the temporal lobe, near the uncus is considered part of the limbic system, through their connections can influence the body's response to environmental changes. For example, feelings of fear, you can change the heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, skin color. Also associated with the autonomic nervous system and is related to visceral functions, such as the production of HCL. Subthalamic nucleus



The subthalamic nucleus is the mass of the larger nuclear subthalamus (3). It is located anterior to the lateral thalamus and the hypothalamus, including the substantia nigra and red nucleus (Figure # 1).
This core is associated with control of involuntary movement. Injuries to this area produce tics and hemiballism contralateral (3).

Some authors do not consider the subthalamic nucleus as a basal ganglion, however, from the functional point of view should include (1).

substantia nigra and Red

The substantia nigra is the largest nuclear mass in the midbrain (3). Is lower than Subthalamic nucleus (Figure # 1). The black color of the substance is due to neurons that are loaded with melanin.

is associated with movement control and an injury is usually manifested by stiffness (resistance to passive movement) and tremors. Parkinson's disease, characterized by a fine, rhythmic movement, is caused by a decrease in deposits of dopamine, especially in the substantia nigra (1).

Some authors do not consider the substantia nigra and basal ganglia as a Red. Like the subthalamic nucleus, should be included from the functional point of view (1).

To read more:

(1) Afifi, Adel. Ronald Bergman. 2006. Functional Neuroanatomy. 2nd. Edition. Editorial McGrawHill. Mexico. Cap 13.

(2) Tortora, Gerald. Derrickson, Bryan. 2006. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 11 th. Edition. Editorial Médica Panamericana. Mexico DF. Mexico. Cap 14.

(3) Young, Paul. 2001. Clinical Functional Neuroanatomy. First Edition. Editorial Masson. Spain. Chapter 8.

(4) Crick, Francis. Kosh, Christof. 2005. What is the function of the claustrum?. Philosofical Transactions. (2005) 360, 1271-1279. Online. Accessed: 18/Nov/2009.
Available at: http://www.klab.caltech.edu/news/crick-koch-05.pdf