Pronunciation: [pjˈuːte͡ɪmˌɛn] (IPA) 
Putamen is a part of the brain that helps regulate movement. The spelling of this word follows standard English phonetics, with the "pu" representing the /p/ sound and the "ta" representing the /t/ sound. The "u" in the middle of the word is pronounced as a short /ʌ/ sound. The "me" represents the /m/ sound, and the "n" at the end is pronounced as an /n/ sound. Overall, the IPA phonetic transcription of putamen is /pjuːˈteɪmən/.
The putamen is a term used in neuroanatomy and neuroscience to describe a specific region of the human brain. It is part of the basal ganglia, a collection of deep-brain structures involved in motor control, learning, and reward processing. The putamen is located at the base of the forebrain, beneath the cerebral cortex, and adjacent to the globus pallidus.
In terms of structure, the putamen consists of gray matter, primarily composed of nerve cells and their connections. It receives input from various brain areas, including the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and substantia nigra, while also sending output to other basal ganglia nuclei, such as the globus pallidus.
Functionally, the putamen is essential for motor coordination and motor learning. It plays a crucial role in the planning, execution, and coordination of voluntary movements. It receives information about intended movements from the cerebral cortex and integrates it with feedback from other brain regions to fine-tune motor control. Moreover, the putamen is involved in the learning and execution of habits, as well as the processing of reward-related information.
Disruptions to the putamen, such as lesions or degeneration, can lead to movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. These conditions affect the proper functioning of the putamen, resulting in motor impairment and difficulties with movement coordination. Understanding the structure and function of the putamen is crucial for studying and treating these neurological disorders.
The outer, larger, and darker gray of the three portions into which the lenticular nucleus is divided by laminae of white fibers; it is connected by intervening bands of gray substance with the caudate nucleus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In bot., the shell or stone of a fruit, called the endocarp.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "putamen" originates from Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "putamen" itself, which means "husk" or "shell". In Latin, "putamen" referred specifically to the outer shell or husk of certain fruits, such as nuts or seeds. In the context of anatomy, the term "putamen" was later used to name a specific structure within the brain, due to its resemblance to a shell or casement.
