neostriatum

anatomy

Also known as: striatum

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July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The neostriatum, also known as the striatum, is a key component of the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei deep within the brain. It plays a crucial role in processing information related to movement, learning new actions, and executing habitual behaviors.12

The neostriatum receives extensive input from nearly all areas of the cerebral cortex. It contains various types of neurons, including spiny neurons that use gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as their primary neurotransmitter, and aspiny neurons that secrete other neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine.12

Dysfunction in the basal ganglia, including the neostriatum, can lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson disease and Huntington disease, as well as affect cognitive functions and behavior.12

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basal ganglia
Neurochemicals
The striatum, which serves as a gateway for the regulation of signals through the basal ganglia during the learning of actions and the selection of desirable actions, has the most-complex signaling architecture. In addition to receiving vast external excitatory input from the cortex and thalamus, it…
Read More
The striatum, which serves as a gateway for the regulation of signals through the basal ganglia during the learning of actions and the selection of desirable actions, has the most-complex signaling architecture. In addition to receiving vast external excitatory input from the cortex and thalamus, it…
Read More