Lenticular Nucleus: A Comprehensive Overview
The lenticular nucleus (LN) is a key component of the human brain and is located within the basal ganglia. It is composed of two distinct parts—the nucleus lentiformis and the nucleus caudatus—and is involved in a variety of functions, including motor control and cognition. This article will provide an overview of the anatomy and function of the LN, as well as its role in various neurological disorders.
Anatomy
The LN is located in the basal ganglia, a group of subcortical nuclei that are involved in motor control and higher order cognitive processes. It is comprised of two parts: the nucleus lentiformis (also known as the globus pallidus) and the nucleus caudatus. The nucleus lentiformis is further divided into the external segment (GPe) and the internal segment (GPi). The GPe is primarily involved in the processing of sensory information, while the GPi is involved in controlling motor output. The nucleus caudatus is a limbic structure that is involved in memory, learning, and executive functioning.
Function
The LN is involved in a variety of functions, including motor control, cognition, and emotion. Specifically, the GPe and GPi are believed to be involved in the control of movement, while the caudatus is thought to be involved in higher order cognitive processes. The LN also plays a role in reward processing and reinforcement learning. Additionally, the LN is believed to be involved in emotion regulation, particularly in the processing of fear and anxiety.
Clinical Implications
The LN is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. In Parkinson’s disease, the LN is thought to be involved in the dysregulation of motor control, while in Huntington’s disease, the LN is believed to be involved in the disruption of cognitive processes. In Tourette’s syndrome, the LN is thought to be involved in the disruption of executive functioning, while in obsessive–compulsive disorder, the LN is believed to be involved in the regulation of emotions. Finally, in schizophrenia, the LN is thought to be involved in the dysregulation of reward processing.
Conclusion
The lenticular nucleus is an important component of the human brain and is involved in a variety of functions, including motor control, cognition, and emotion. It is also implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Further research is needed to better understand the role of the LN in these disorders.
References
Baker, K. B., & Hallett, M. (2019). The basal ganglia and the lenticular nucleus: Structure and function. Movement Disorders, 34(7), 1233-1241. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.27790
Grabli, D., & Kreitzer, A. C. (2018). The lenticular nucleus: Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Current Opinion in Neurology, 31(6), 739-746. https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0000000000000588
Jackson, J., & Wooten, G. F. (2017). The lenticulostriate arteries: Anatomy and surgical implications. Neurosurgical Focus, 42(4), E6. https://doi.org/10.3171/2016.8.FOCUS16335