Neuronal cells in basal ganglia and cortex

The basal ganglia and cerebral cortex together contain an immense diversity of **neuronal cells**, primarily including excitatory glutamatergic neurons (such as pyramidal cells in the cortex) and inhibitory GABAergic neurons (such as medium spiny neurons in the striatum and various interneurons). The **basal ganglia** are deeply located subcortical nuclei including the striatum (caudate nucleus, putamen, nucleus accumbens), globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra, which intricately modulate voluntary movement, procedural learning, emotion, and reward[1][2][3][4][5][6]. The **cerebral cortex** is the brain’s outer layer, central for perception, thought, voluntary action, and complex behavior. Both structures are functionally interdependent, linked by extensive neural circuits for movement control and higher cognitive processes. Importantly, the description "neuronal cells in basal ganglia and cortex" is not a recognized molecular target, but refers to neural populations and anatomical regions. Aberrant function or degeneration of neuronal cells in these regions underlies numerous neurologic and psychiatric diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, dystonia, and addiction[4][5][6]. Therapies often target neurotransmitter systems modulating these neurons, most notably the dopaminergic system in basal ganglia disorders.

Other names

basal ganglia neuronscortical neuronsstriatal neuronspyramidal cells (subset in cortex)interneuronsGABAergic neuronsglutamatergic neurons

modulation of dopaminergic or cholinergic neurotransmission, GABAergic modulation, glutamatergic modulation, neuromodulation via deep brain stimulation