The spelling of the word "nucleus subthalamicus" is based on its phonetic transcription IPA: [ˈnuːkliəs sʌbθəˈlæmɪkəs]. The "nu" sound represents the phoneme /n/, followed by a short vowel /uː/. The "cleus" part corresponds to the sound /kliəs/, where the "c" represents the phoneme /k/, followed by the "l" sound and a short vowel. "Subthalamicus" is pronounced as /sʌbθəˈlæmɪkəs/ starting with "su" sound representing /sʌ/ followed by "btha" /bθə/ and ending with "micus" /ˈlæmɪkəs/. This is how the spelling of the word is
The nucleus subthalamicus, also known as the subthalamic nucleus (STN), is a small, lens-shaped structure located deep within the brain. It is found bilaterally in the subthalamus region, which is part of the diencephalon, specifically sitting below the thalamus and above the midbrain.
Functionally, the nucleus subthalamicus is primarily involved in the regulation and control of movement. It plays a crucial role in the basal ganglia circuitry, which is responsible for coordinating voluntary motor activities, as well as other cognitive and emotional functions.
The nucleus subthalamicus receives inputs from the cerebral cortex, particularly from the motor areas, and sends outputs to other nuclei in the basal ganglia, such as the globus pallidus internus. This intricate network of connections enables the nucleus subthalamicus to modulate and fine-tune movement, ensuring their smooth execution.
Moreover, the nucleus subthalamicus is implicated in the pathophysiology of certain movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Abnormal activity or dysfunction within this nucleus can lead to motor dysfunctions and various other motor symptoms characteristic of these disorders.
In summary, the nucleus subthalamicus is a vital component of the basal ganglia system involved in movement regulation. Its intricate connections and role in the modulation of motor pathways make it a subject of great interest in the field of neurology, particularly for the understanding and potential treatment of movement disorders.
N. hypothalamicus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "nucleus subthalamicus" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
- "Nucleus" comes from the Latin term "nuculeus", which means "kernel" or "central core". It refers to a small, central entity or structure within a larger context.
- "Subthalamicus" is a combination of two Latin words: "sub", meaning "under", and "thalamicus", derived from "thalamic" relating to the thalamus in the brain. The thalamus is an important sensory relay center in the brain.
Therefore, "nucleus subthalamicus" refers to a small, central core structure situated beneath the thalamus in the brain.