From the Guidelines
The left basal ganglia plays a crucial role in regulating voluntary movement, particularly on the right side of the body, through its complex neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems, as evidenced by its involvement in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders 1. The left basal ganglia is part of a larger system that includes several interconnected nuclei, such as the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus. These structures work together to modulate signals from the cerebral cortex, helping to initiate and coordinate smooth, purposeful movements while inhibiting unwanted movements. Some key functions of the left basal ganglia include:
- Regulating voluntary movement, especially on the right side of the body due to the brain's contralateral control system
- Modulating motor learning and cognitive-emotional behaviors
- Playing a role in procedural learning, habit formation, and reward processing
- Influencing the development of movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, when dysfunctional, as described in the context of Parkinsonian syndromes 1. The left basal ganglia's dysfunction can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra/striatum, as discussed in the study 1.
From the Research
Function of the Left Basal Ganglia
The left basal ganglia, as part of the basal ganglia system, play a significant role in movement control. The key functions include:
- Inhibiting competing motor mechanisms to prevent interference with desired movements 2
- Focal removal of inhibition from desired motor mechanisms to allow for smooth movement execution 2
- Contribution to the control of posture and movement, with dysfunction leading to abnormalities such as rigidly held abnormal body postures, slowing of movement, and involuntary movements 2, 3
Movement Specification and Basal Ganglia Circuits
The basal ganglia, including the left basal ganglia, are involved in:
- The specification of movements, allowing for graded control and precision in movement execution 4
- The integration of motor information and the processing of movement-related signals 5, 6
- The modulation of movement vigor and the adjustment of movement parameters to achieve specific goals 4
Basal Ganglia Pathways and Parkinson's Disease
Research on Parkinson's disease has highlighted the importance of basal ganglia circuits in movement control, with studies showing:
- Alterations in basal ganglia circuitry and connectivity in Parkinson's disease patients 3, 6
- The impact of dopamine depletion on basal ganglia function and movement control 6
- The potential for surgical interventions, such as deep brain stimulation, to modulate basal ganglia activity and improve movement symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients 3