Motor System
In humans, two clinical syndromes have provided insight into the basic function of the basal ganglia: Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease
Parkinson’s disease:
- dopamine neurons within the substantia nigra degenerate leading to increased inhibition of motor activity
individuals with this disorder show several symptoms including:
- bradykinesia--a reduction in the speed of movements
- difficulty initiating and stopping movements
- development of resting tremor--a regular involuntary, oscillatory movement of a body part, usually hands and extremities