[UW Anatomy | Contents]

Function:
Involved in motor control via projections to the basal ganglia, and in particular to the striatum (a part of the basal ganglia; caudate and putamen). Cells in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra (other part is pars reticulata) synthesize the neurotransmitter DOPAMINE, which is released by nigrostriatal terminals.

Pathway:
Neurons in the pars compacta project to the IPSI. caudate and putamen (striatum); these nuclei are part of the basal ganglia.

Deficits:
PARKINSON'S DISEASE-resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, masked face.

Other Note:
Laterality (ipsi. or contra. to lesion) NOT important in problem solving.