Basal ganglia

Caudate nucleus

The caudate nucleus (also called the caudatum) is a key part of the learning and memory systems, particularly in feedback processing.

It is believed that the caudate nucleus has a regulating role in controlling the threshold potential for general neuron activation and thereby preventing overload through positive feedback loops.

Recent research shows the caudate nucleus may also be involved in feelings of love.

Putamen

The putamen is largely connected to the substantia nigra and the globus pallidus. It regulates movement and influences learning.

The putamen and globus pallidus together make up the lenticular nucleus. The putamen and caudate nucleus together form the dorsal striatum or neostratium.

The putamen is connected with degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Nucleus accumbens

The nucleus accumbens (also known as the accumbens nucleus) is a collection of neurons in the anterior of the putamen.

It has inputs from the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and dopaminergic neurons in the tegmentum. It sends axons to the globus pallidus, which forwards the signal to the thalamus and hence the pre-frontal cortex.

The nucleus accumbens is a significant element in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway and is thought to be significant in reward, laughter, pleasure, addiction, fear, and the placebo effect.

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Basal ganglia

Caudate nucleus

Globus pallidus

Putamen

Nucleus accumbens

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