nigrostiatal system/tract
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Introduction
Dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra project inhibitory fibers to the striatum (caudate & putamen). This is the major dopaminergic system in the central nervous system. (Also see substantia nigra & striatum)
The nigrostriatal system is reciprocated by a massive striatonigral fiber system with multiple neuro-transmitters, but chiefly GABA. The substantia nigra receives smaller afferent projections from the subthalamic nucleus, the lateral segment of the globus pallidus, the dorsal nucleus of the raphe, & the pedunculopontine nucleus of the midbrain.
The pars compacta appears depigmented with loss of neurons in brains from victims of Parkinson's disease.