The basal nucleus (lat. nuclei basales) is a group of subcortical nuclei located at the base of the brain. These include: the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and lentiform nucleus. These structures are closely interconnected and form the basal ganglia.
The basal ganglia play an important role in the organization and regulation of motor activity. They receive impulses from the cerebral cortex and transmit processed information to the thalamus and brainstem, from where signals are sent to the executive organs. Thus, the basal ganglia are involved in initiating movements, maintaining muscle tone, and implementing smooth, targeted movements.
Damage to the basal ganglia leads to the development of extrapyramidal disorders, manifested in impaired motor functions. For example, Parkinson's disease is associated with the degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, which is part of the basal ganglia complex.
The nucleus basalis is a specialized cell type in the nervous system that performs the functions of neurogenesis and maintaining the vital activity of neurons. It is located in the lower part of the brain and is responsible for the development and functioning of many different structures, such as motor and sensory networks, as well as neural pathways between different parts of the nervous system.
The nucleus basalis is the main source of the formation of new neurons and serves as an important control center for neural activity. It contains many different types of cells, including cholinergic, adrenergic and serotonergic neurons, which control various physiological processes in the body.
One of the main functions of the basal nucleus is to support the stability and regulation of electrical potentials in the brain. Neurons in the nucleus basalis transmit signals between different nerve networks and help maintain a healthy balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain.
In addition, the basal nucleus plays an important role in regulating the body's response to stress.