Role of Basal Ganglia in Control of Innate Movements, Learned Behavior and Cognition—A Hypothesis

Abstract

The progress of basal ganglia research has been rapid and fruitful. As is clear from articles in this book, we now know detailed neural circuits in the basal ganglia, heterogeneous distribution of chemically defined neuron groups, and the presence of various transmitter candidates and their intracellular actions. This accumulated knowledge allows us to provide reasonable interpretations for clinical symptoms of basal ganglia disorders and even to suggest novel surgical or drug treatments.