An image that consists of a man adjusted in size to correspond to how much cortex is devoted to the parts of his body
Motor Homunculus
Excessive involuntary movements (long repetitive muscle contractions, protracted writhing movements, etc)
Dopamine-Induced Dyskinesias
Progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. Caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain.
Parkinson’s Disease
Slowness of movement; makes all movement seem like it requires a lot of effort.
Bradykinesia
Neurotransmitter in the brain, critical role in the brain’s reward system. Severely decreased in those with Parkinson’s
Dopamine
Abnormal protein deposits made up of alpha-synuclein. Form inside neurons, are resistant to being broken down by brain enzymes, and are associated with the death of brain cells.
Lewy Bodies
The region of the brain containing neurons that send signals, directly or indirectly, to the muscles. It stretches around the brain like a horseshoe.
Motor Cortex
The “small brain” behind the cerebrum that helps regulate posture, balance, and coordination.
Cerebellum
Located in deep center of the brain; crucial in motor control
Caudate
A bundle of nuclei in the base of the forebrain, including the striatum and globus pallidus. Primarily concerned with selecting and mediating movements.
Basal Ganglia
Subcortical nucleus that has functions including: motor control, motor learning, and motor execution
Putamen
A part of the basal ganglia involved in movement control
Globus Pallidus
Group of neurons found in the midbrain. Vast majority of neurons within contain dopamine.
Substantia Nigra
Part of the basal ganglia, involved in regulating movement; dysfunction can lead to Parkinson’s
Subthalamic Nucleus
Neuron that fires both when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same action performed by another.
Mirror Neurons
