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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
- Anatomy
The Paleocortex
In the beginning was smell: the oldest part of the cerebrum deals with sniffing.
01.10.2025
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Flocculonodular Lobe
The oldest part of the cerebellum is primarily concerned with balance.
05.08.2025
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Cerebellar Peduncles
Always up to date: Three fiber tracts connect the cerebellum with the rest of the brain.
20.09.2025
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- Basics
- Communication of Cells
The battle over the neuron doctrine
The neuron doctrine is considered a fundamental idea in brain research – and has caused controversy.
26.08.2025
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- News
- Question to the brain
Why is it soothing to pet Animals?
Many people find petting an animal soothing. Is there a neurobiological explanation for this?
08.12.2024
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- News from the Institutes
Making up for lost time: Inhibitory neurons catch up during brain development
New insights into the emergence of brain cells that keep neural activity in balance
08.07.2025
