Pallidum is a medical term that refers to a part of the brain. Its pronunciation is /pælɪdəm/ (/pæl·ə·dəm/) as per IPA phonetic transcription. The word is spelled with two Ls in the middle because the first L is pronounced with a short vowel sound /æ/ while the second L is silent. The letter I in the second syllable is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ɪ/. The stress in the word falls on the first syllable, giving the pronunciation /PÆ-lə-dəm/.
The term "pallidum" refers to a specific anatomical structure, predominantly used in the context of human anatomy and neurology. The pallidum is a part of the brain located deep within the basal ganglia, a collection of nerve cell groups involved in motor control and coordination.
The pallidum consists of two major divisions, recognized as the external and internal segments. The external segment, often referred to as the globus pallidus externa (GPe), is connected to the cortex and other parts of the brain. It plays a crucial role in modulating and transmitting signals related to motor functions.
The internal segment, known as the globus pallidus interna (GPi), is the principal output structure of the basal ganglia. It is responsible for transmitting inhibitory signals to various regions of the brain, including the thalamus. The GPi is involved in the regulation of voluntary movements by balancing the excitatory signals.
Disorders or abnormalities within the pallidum can lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or dystonia. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a therapeutic technique that involves the surgical implantation of electrodes in the pallidum, is considered a viable treatment option for some of these conditions.
In summary, the pallidum is an integral part of the basal ganglia, involved in the modulation and transmission of signals related to motor control. It consists of the external and internal segments, which play distinct roles in regulating voluntary movements.
The globus pallidus of the lenticular nucleus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pallidum" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "pallidus", which means "pale" or "pallid". In biology and anatomy, "pallidum" is often used to describe a structure or region that appears pale or lacking in color.