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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Mesencephalon
Important neurotransmitters, an astonishing array of colors, and a water pipe – that's the midbrain.
20.09.2025
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Sheep Brain: Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia control motor function and happiness – but in sheep, only unhappiness has been proven.
29.06.2013
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- News from the Institutes
A switchboard with precision
How the brain licenses movements
28.05.2025
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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
- Anatomy
The Striatum
The striatum is not only about complex motor skills, but also about happiness.
28.11.2025
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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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- Percieve
- Hearing
From Wiggling to the wonderful Variety of Sounds
It is a long way from purely mechanical vibrations to the world of sounds and tones.
17.10.2025
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Basal Ganglia
Whenever we perform a deliberate movement, core areas deep within the brain are involved.
23.08.2011
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- Glossary
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurological disorders, caused by the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to a neurotransmitter imbalance in the basal ganglia. Symptoms usually begin late in life with mild tremors (resting tremor), increasing stiffness of the limbs, and slowed voluntary movements (bradykinesia). Later, postural instability, balance disorders, and difficulty walking occur. Other typical features include rigid facial expressions (hypomimia), a shuffling gait, and muscle stiffness (rigor). The disease is incurable, but its symptoms can be treated with medication (e.g., L-dopa, dopamine agonists) or surgery involving deep brain stimulation (brain pacemaker).
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- Glossary
Midbrain
The midbrain is the uppermost section of the brain stem. Its regions are located around the aqueduct, a canal filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Prominent structures include the tectum, tegmentum, and substantia nigra.
