globus pallidus

A structure in the brain involved in the regulation of voluntary movements at a subconscious level. The globus pallidus is one of three nuclei that make up the basal ganglia, the others being the putamen and the caudate. It relays information from the other nuclei to the thalamus.

The globus pallidus can also be divided into two parts: the globus pallidus externa (GPe) and the globus pallidus interna (GPi). Both receive input from the caudate and putamen, and both are in communication with the subthalamic nucleus. It is the GPi, however, that sends the major inhibitory output from the basal ganglia back to thalamus. The GPi also sends a few projections to an area of midbrain, presumably to assist in postural control.

Related category

• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

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