Point: 20. Substantia Nigra
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.
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