Basal Ganglia Functions and Nuclei

Where are the basal ganglia located in the brain?

At the base of the cerebrum (correct)
At the outer layer of the cerebrum
In the brainstem
In the spinal cord

Which of the following is NOT a component of the basal ganglia?

Globus pallidus
Caudate nucleus
Subthalamic nucleus (correct)
Putamen

What is the main function of the basal ganglia?

Processing of visual information
Control of autonomic functions
Regulation of emotions
Modulation of voluntary movements (correct)

What is the result of dysfunction in the basal ganglia?

Movement disorders (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the basal ganglia in maintaining muscle tone?

Maintaining a balance of excitatory and inhibitory inputs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the basal ganglia's function in producing movements?

To maintain purposeful motor activity while suppressing unwanted movement (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the basal ganglia in relation to movement?

Monitor and coordinate slow, sustained contractions related to posture and support (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure sends inputs to the cortex as part of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop?

Thalamus (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of nucleus receives afferents from the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and substantia nigra?

Input nucleus (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the output nuclei of the basal ganglia?

To send efferents to the thalamus (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the basal ganglia?

Generation of rapid, ballistic movements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the substantia nigra pars reticulata in the basal ganglia circuitry?

To send efferents to the thalamus (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main outputs of basal ganglia?

Thalamus and brainstem (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the skeleto-motor loop?

Control of skeletal movement (B) Signup and view all the answers

Where does the oculomotor loop start in the cortex?

Frontal eye field (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the prefrontal loop?

Regulation of rational thinking (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dopamine in motor behavior?

Switching on and off motor behavior (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where is dopamine released by the substantia nigra pars compacta?

On the neurons that project to the external segment of globus pallidus (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do the intermediate nuclei in the relay of information include?

The subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus external, and substantia nigra pars compacta (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of input to the basal ganglia?

The cerebral cortex and substantia nigra (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the globus pallidus and pars reticulata in the basal ganglia?

To project to the thalamus and brainstem (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the substantia nigra pars compacta in the basal ganglia?

To provide dopaminergic input to the striatum (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the globus pallidus and pars reticulata?

They are similar in function and structure (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dopamine in the basal ganglia?

To turn on the direct pathway and promote movement (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of lateral inhibition on movement?

It selects the movement by activating the direct pathway and suppresses other movements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of hypokinetic movement disorders?

Slow or reduced movement (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a lack of dopamine in the basal ganglia?

Inability to initiate movement and change motor pattern (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of hyperkinetic movement disorders?

Chorea (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of dopamine on the indirect pathway?

It turns off the indirect pathway (A) Signup and view all the answers