The basal ganglia

Abstract

The basal ganglia are a group of nuclei located in the diencephalon andmesencephalon. The classic concept of the basal ganglia as involved in motor control has been largely modified during the past decades on the basis of the extensive research carried out. They are known to be involved not only in motor behavior but also in cognition and emotion. They are intimately related with cortical areas and thalamus as well as with other brain-stem nuclei. Cortical information is processed by the basal ganglia in well-differentiated parallel loops, and each of these loops project back to the cortical area of origin. Although there is some segregation, cortical information from different areas is also integrated throughout the basal ganglia circuits for the selection of appropriate behaviors in relation with the environment, learning, and rewards.