What effect does the direct pathway of the basal ganglia have on motor activity?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the role of the direct pathway of the basal ganglia in relation to motor activity. It seeks to identify the accurate effect this neural pathway has on controlling and influencing movements.
Answer
The direct pathway activates voluntary movement by disinhibiting the VL nucleus of the thalamus, exciting the motor cortex.
The direct pathway of the basal ganglia results in tonic disinhibition of the VL nucleus of the thalamus, which sends excitatory projections to the motor cortex, leading to the activation of voluntary movement.
Answer for screen readers
The direct pathway of the basal ganglia results in tonic disinhibition of the VL nucleus of the thalamus, which sends excitatory projections to the motor cortex, leading to the activation of voluntary movement.
More Information
The direct pathway plays a crucial role in enabling voluntary movement by facilitating motor cortex activation. It involves the disinhibition of thalamic activity, allowing excitatory communication with motor cortical areas.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the effects of the direct and indirect pathways. The direct pathway facilitates movement, while the indirect pathway typically inhibits it.
Sources
- Circuits within the Basal Ganglia System - Neuroscience - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Basal Ganglia (Section 3, Chapter 4) Neuroscience Online - nba.uth.tmc.edu
- Basal ganglia: Direct and Indirect pathways | Kenhub - kenhub.com
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