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- News from the Institutes
How Stress Disrupts the Brain’s Navigational System
Persons under stress may have a harder time spatially orienting themselves. Researchers in Bochum have discovered why.
13.03.2026
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- News from the Institutes
Two Brain Areas Compete for Control
The locus coeruleus and the ventral tegmental area compete for control over the formation of memory content
14.03.2025
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- Basics
- The Developing Brain
Development of a Brain
There is no process on Earth more complex than brain development
10.02.2026
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- Basics
- Anatomy
Network of the Basal Ganglia
One nucleus inhibits the other, only so that the cortex can ultimately be stimulated.
13.07.2015
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- Basics
- Structure and Function
Structure and Function – Neurons
Different tasks require different cell types, some of which differ greatly in their biophysical properties and are highly specialized.
27.09.2021
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- Glossary
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus and released into the blood via the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It initiates contractions during childbirth and supports the milk ejection reflex during breastfeeding. It is also released during orgasm. Oxytocin can promote trust and strengthen pair bonding, but recent findings show that its effects are more complex and, in certain contexts, can also promote separation from out-groups.
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- Glossary
Putamen
A nucleus of the basal ganglia that, together with the caudate nucleus, forms the striatum. As part of the extrapyramidal motor system, it is involved in voluntary motor function (intentional movement).
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- Glossary
Striatum
The striatum is a central structure of the basal ganglia. It consists of the caudate nucleus and putamen; the nucleus accumbens is also functionally part of it as its ventral portion. As the most important input structure of the basal ganglia, the striatum plays an essential role in controlling movement sequences as well as in cognition, motivational processes, and the reward system.
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- Glossary
Substantia nigra
A nucleus complex in the ventral mesencephalon that plays a central role in initiating and modulating movement. It appears dark due to neuromelanin. Its dopaminergic neurons project via the nigrostriatal pathways to the putamen and caudate nucleus. Failure of these neurons leads to the typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
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- Basics
- The Developing Brain
The invisible Bond
Emotional bond – the essential connection between children and parents.
18.03.2026
