Basal Nuclei Anatomy

Question 1

List the different components of the basal nuclei.

Answer 1

Telencephalic basal nuclei include:
- caudate nucleus,
- putamen,
- globus pallidus interna, &
- globus pallidus externa.
Subthalamic basal nuclei include (within the diencephalon):
- subthalamic nucleus
The mesencephalic basal nuclei includes:
- substantia nigra

• the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens are sometime also considered basal nuclei.

Question 2

What comprises the Striatum?

Answer 2

The caudate nucleus and the putamen (components of the telencephalic basal nuclei) function together and are thus called the striatum.

Question 3

What comprises the pallidum?

Answer 3

The globus pallidus interna and globus pallidus externa are components of the telencephalic basal ganglia. Together the interna and externa form the pallidum.

Question 4

What basal nuclear structures together form the lentiform nucleus?

Answer 4

Anatomically due to their close proximity, the putamen and the pallidum (globus pallidus interna and globus pallidus externa) are called the lentiform nucleus.

Question 5

Describe the anatomical location of the Caudate nucleus.

Answer 5

The Caudate nucleus forms a C shape that follows the lateral surface of the thalamus.

Question 6

Describe the anatomical components of the Caudate nucleus

Answer 6

The Caudate nucleus has a head, body & tail.

Question 7

Where is the internal capsual anatomically located in relation to the diencephalon and basal ganglia?

Answer 7

The internal capsule is located lateral to the thalamus and the caudate nucleus; and medially to the Lentiform nucleus (Pallidus and Putamen).

Question 8

Identify the following basal ganglia structures (1-6).

Answer 8

1. Globus Pallidus interna
2. Globus Pallidus externa
   (1-2 = Pallidum)
3. Putamen
   (1-3 = Lentiform nucleus)
4. Caudate nucleus
   (3+4 = Striatum)
5. Subthalamic nuclei
6. Substantia nigra

Question 9

Describe the anatomical location of the lateral and third ventricles in relation to the basal ganglia.

Answer 9

The third ventricle is located medially between the thalami.
The lateral ventricle is located medially to the caudate nucleus and follows the c shaped caudate nucleus.

Question 10

Describe the anatomical location of the substantia nigra.

Answer 10

The substantia nigra is located within the midbrain, anteriorly.