How the Brain Works The Facts Visually Explained by DK (z-lib.org)

THE PHYSICAL BRAIN

Nuclei of the Brain

Nuclei of

the Brain

In brain anatomy, a nucleus is a cluster

of nerve cells that have a discernible set

of functions and are connected to each

other by tracts of white matter.

The basal ganglia and other nuclei

An important group of nuclei collectively known

as the basal ganglia sit within the forebrain and

have strong links with the thalamus and brain

stem. They are associated with learning,

motor control, and emotional responses. All

cranial nerves connect to the brain at a

nucleus (often two: one for sensory inputs

and another for motor outputs). Other

brain nuclei include the hypothalamus

(see p.34), hippocampus (see pp.38–39),

pons, and medulla (see p.36).

Central location

Most of the basal ganglia are

positioned at the base of the forebrain

around the thalamus. The nuclei sit

within a region filled with white-

matter tracts called the striatum.

Nuclei structure

Nuclei are clusters of gray matter (nerve

cell bodies) situated within the brain’s white

matter (nerve axons). Most nuclei do not

have a membrane so, to the naked eye,

seem to blend into the surrounding tissues.

C AUDATE

NUCLEUS TAIL

C AUDATE

NUCLEUS TAIL

C AUDATE

NUCLEUS

WHITE

MAT TER

WHITE

MAT TER

C AUDATE

NUCLEUS

SUBTHALAMIC

NUCLEUS

SUBSTANTIA

NIGRA

AMYGDALA

THALAMUS

GLOBUS

PALLIDUS

Subthalamic

nucleus

Globus

pallidus

Nuclei of amygdala

have been classified

as part of basal

ganglia by some

scientists

Each nucleus

develops as a

mirrored pair,

one in each

hemisphere

Substantia nigra in

midbrain linked with

fine motor control

Caudate

nucleus

Substantia

nigra

FR

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SL

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PU

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