Lesson 9 of 13 · about 5 minutes

The basal ganglia

Choosing which movement goes.

In the 3D app, the brain flies to each part as you read, and 2 quick questions at the end help it stick. Here is the whole lesson to read.

1
The gatekeepers
Deep in each hemisphere, the basal ganglia decide which movements and habits get the green light.
More about the basal ganglia →
2
The caudate
The C-shaped caudate nucleus curls along the lateral ventricle and helps with goals and learning.
More about the caudate nucleus →
3
The putamen
The putamen, on the outside, handles well-practiced movements and habits.
More about the putamen →
4
The brake
The globus pallidus holds movements back until the right one is chosen.
More about the globus pallidus →
5
The subthalamic nucleus
This small lens-shaped nucleus stops actions. It is a main target of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.
More about the subthalamic nucleus →
6
The dopamine supply
The substantia nigra in the midbrain supplies the dopamine. When its cells die, Parkinson's disease begins.
More about the substantia nigra →