SUBSTANTIA NIGRA Meaning and
Definition
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Substantia nigra is a Latin term that translates to "black substance" in English. In the context of anatomy and neuroscience, substantia nigra refers to a specific region or structure located in the midbrain of the central nervous system. It is part of the basal ganglia, a collection of nuclei responsible for motor control and coordination.
The substantia nigra is characterized by its dark pigmentation, which is due to the presence of a high concentration of melanin-containing dopaminergic neurons. These neurons are involved in the production and regulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which plays a crucial role in various cognitive functions, movement coordination, reward, and motivation.
The substantia nigra is further divided into two distinct parts: the pars compacta and the pars reticulata. The pars compacta is mainly responsible for the production of dopamine, while the pars reticulata participates in the initiation and regulation of voluntary movements.
Disruptions or degeneration of the substantia nigra neurons, particularly in the pars compacta, have been strongly associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. The loss of dopamine-producing cells within the substantia nigra leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
Understanding the structure and function of the substantia nigra has allowed researchers and healthcare professionals to explore various treatment approaches targeting dopaminergic pathways for conditions related to movement disorders and other neurological diseases.
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Black substance, intercalatum, locus niger, ganglion of Soemmering; a mass of gray matter, crescentic on cross section, containing a large number of deeply pigmented nerve-cells; it extends from the upper border of the pons into the subthalamic region between the dorsal (tegmental) and ventral (pedal) portions of the pedunculus (crus) cerebri.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUBSTANTIA NIGRA
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Etymology of SUBSTANTIA NIGRA
The term "substantia nigra" is Latin, and its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. "Substantia": This Latin word means "substance" or "material" and is derived from the Latin verb "substantiare", which means "to make firm" or "to fix".
2. "Nigra": This Latin word means "black" and is derived from the Latin adjective "niger", which signifies the color black.
Thus, "substantia nigra" translates to "black substance" or "dark material" in English. The name "substantia nigra" was given to this particular part of the brain due to its characteristic dark color, resulting from the presence of neuromelanin, a pigment that gives it a brownish-black appearance.
Similar spelling words for SUBSTANTIA NIGRA
- substantially,
- substantiation,
- substantiating,
- substance abuse,
- Substantia Grisea,
- substantialness,
- substantiality,
- Substantia Alba,
- substantiative,
- substantive dye,
- substantiated.
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