Help Me Understand Direct Vs Indirect Pathway Of Basal Ganglia

The basal ganglia is a crucial region of the brain involved in movement control, consisting of two distinct pathways - the direct pathway from the cortex to the striatum and the indirect pathway. These pathways have opposing functions, with the direct pathway responsible for reward learning and cocaine sensitization, while the indirect pathway is involved in aversive processes. The thalamus plays a role in movement initiation through the direct pathway, which is mainly innervated by excitatory neurons. Additionally, different types of neurons within the basal ganglia are connected to different areas, with IT-type neurons mainly involved in the direct pathway and PT-type neurons in the indirect pathway.

The basal ganglia encompasses two significant pathways: the direct and indirect pathways. These pathways assume opposing roles in the control of movement. The direct pathway extends from the cortex to the striatum and is responsible for reward learning and cocaine sensitization. In contrast, the indirect pathway plays a role in aversive processes. The thalamus also contributes to movement initiation through the direct pathway, which is predominantly innervated by excitatory neurons. Furthermore, different neuron types within the basal ganglia are linked to different functions, with IT-type neurons predominantly involved in the direct pathway, and PT-type neurons in the indirect pathway.

2-Minute Neuroscience: Direct Pathway of the Basal GangliaBasal Ganglia (Direct vs. Indirect Pathways)

Related Questions

Work fast from anywhere

Stay up to date and move work forward with BrutusAI on macOS/iOS/web & android. Download the app today.