pars compacta

anatomy

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July 23, 2026

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The pars compacta is a part of the substantia nigra, a nucleus within the midbrain. The substantia nigra is crucial for controlling voluntary movement and is composed of two main parts: the pars reticulata and the pars compacta.1

The pars compacta contains cells that produce dopamine, a key neurotransmitter. These dopamine-producing cells project to other brain areas, influencing movement control. The degeneration of these specific neurons in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson disease. This highlights the pars compacta's vital role in motor function.12

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3 Britannica Sources

human nervous system - Midbrain
human nervous system - Basal ganglia
dopamine: Top Questions

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human nervous system
Midbrain
…the pars reticulata and the pars compacta. Cells of the pars compacta contain the dark pigment melanin; these cells synthesize dopamine and project to either the caudate nucleus or the putamen. By inhibiting the action of large aspiny striatal neurons in the caudate nucleus and the putamen (described above in…
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…the pars reticulata and the pars compacta. Cells of the pars compacta contain the dark pigment melanin; these cells synthesize dopamine and project to either the caudate nucleus or the putamen. By inhibiting the action of large aspiny striatal neurons in the caudate nucleus and the putamen (described above in…
Read More
midbrain
…the pars reticulata and the pars compacta. Cells of the pars compacta contain the dark pigment melanin; these cells synthesize dopamine and project to either the caudate nucleus or the putamen, both of which are structures of the basal ganglia and are involved in mediating movement and motor coordination. These…
Read More
…the pars reticulata and the pars compacta. Cells of the pars compacta contain the dark pigment melanin; these cells synthesize dopamine and project to either the caudate nucleus or the putamen, both of which are structures of the basal ganglia and are involved in mediating movement and motor coordination. These…
Read More