nigrostriatum

The nigrostriatum is a complex neural structure located in the midbrain of the vertebrate central nervous system. It is composed of two distinct sub-regions; the substantia nigra, and the caudate nucleus of the striatum. This structure plays a critical role in the control and regulation of physical movement.

The substantia nigra, the more caudal component, isthought to be involved in the production and regulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. This region sends neural projections to several areas of the brain, including the caudate nucleus. Spatial information regarding movement is transmitted to the caudate nucleus through this pathway.

The caudate nucleus, forming the rostral portion of the nigrostriatum, integrates sensory data and motor impulses. It is heavily involved in motor control and decision-making, helping to select the most appropriate course of action given specific circumstances. Release of dopamine into the nigrostriatum is believed to modulate these processes, with dopamine levels having a pronounced effect on motivation and reinforcer salience.

A significant association has been discovered between nigrostriatal dopamine depletion in the brain and the development of Parkinson's disease. This condition, characterized by motor impairment, cognitive decline, and a variety of other non-motor symptoms, arises as a result of nigrostriatal dopamine production failure, typically caused by degeneration of the substantia nigra's dopaminergic neurons. Efforts to address this mechanism have led to breakthroughs in the creation of treatments for Parkinson's disease.