subthalamic nucleus

Introduction

A biconvex lens-shaped nucleus in the ventral part of the subthalamus, on the dorsal surface of the internal capsule just rostral to the substantia nigra.

Afferents

• massive topographic projection from the lateral segment of the globus pallidus
• somatotopically organized projection from the ipsilateral motor cortex
• smaller bundle of afferents from the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus

Efferents

• globus pallidus (internal & external segments)
• pars reticulata of substantia nigra
• ipsilateral pedunculopontine nucleus

More general terms

• CNS nucleus

Component of

• subthalamus