The Nucleus Lentiformis: Center For Learning And Motivation

Our nervous system is full of interesting things, and the nucleus lentiformis is one of them. It is a subcortical brain structure that, among other things, is the source of motivation and learning. When we talk about the nucleus lentiformis, we are not talking about a specific structure, but rather a whole series.

In this article, we’ll show you the parts, features, and functions that come with this core. In addition, we will show you the most common problems and their consequences. Finally, we will also share some fun facts with you. Let’s start!

What are the different parts of the nucleus lentiformis?

Primarily, this structure gets its name from its lens shape. We find him under the insula. It consists of three segments divided mainly into two structures, according to the book Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain , written by Bears, Connors, and Paradiso.

Here are the two structures:

• putamen. This is circular and it is the outermost of the nuclei. It communicates with the substantia nigra and the globus pallidus, which enable the transmission of information between the basal ganglia, the cerebral cortex and the thalamus.
• Globus pallidus. Also known as paleostriatum. It divides into two parts: external (or lateral) and internal (or medial). It receives information from the striatum and thus projects the thalamus and cerebral cortex. It has internal and external segments.

Therefore, we can say that the nucleus lentiformis is the union of these two structures. It consists of gray matter and is connected to the internal and external hairstyles. In it we mainly find the neurotransmitter GABA, acetylcholine and the encephalic peptide.

What are the other parts of the basal ganglia besides the nucleus lentiformis?

• striatum
• substance nigra
• caudate nucleus
• nucleus accumbens
• subthalamic nucleus

These nuclei form a set of interconnected nuclei that surround the limbic system and the third ventricle. Their functions include:

• schedule
• integration
• motion control
• to learn
• motivation

Remember, even though there are anatomical divisions in every part of the brain, they don’t participate in just one single function.

Functions of the nucleus lentiformis

This part of the brain has many varied functions. Here are the main ones:

• Motivation. It integrates information and thus connects knowledge and incentives. Isn’t that incredible?
• To learn. It mainly provides procedural learning. In addition, it plays a role in the categorization process, which facilitates the organization of information. It also participates in the acquisition and improvement of skills.
• movements. It has to do with the automation of movements, as it intervenes in various processes, such as adaptation. It also plays a role in maintaining our posture and controlling our movement coordination. Finally, the putamen is concerned with the muscle movements in our face and in our limbs.

To perform these functions, the nucleus lentiformis establishes connections with the cerebral cortex and the thalamic nuclei. This communication can be two-way.

Diseases

This nucleus may also be associated with subcortical dementias. For example, with types of dementia caused by Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

These are associated with the inability or difficulty to coordinate and perform movements, accompanied by a deficit in executive functions and memory.

There is also an association with psychomotor disorders. An example of this is again Parkinson’s disease, because it affects the basal ganglia. It is also related to other movement disorders, such as ataxia, Tourette’s syndrome, and nervous tics.

This core is also central to some mental disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. This occurs when both the caudate nucleus and putamen are overactivated.

In addition, the abnormal function of the nucleus lentiformis also appears to affect ad(h)d, as it impairs motivation and learning and promotes the development of tics.

In short, the nucleus lentiformis is essential. We have seen that he is responsible for many different and varied functions, such as motor skills or attention.

In addition, it also helps us become more organized and structured with how we store and remember information. In this way it promotes our learning capacity. However, when something goes wrong, it can directly affect our well-being, and therefore our quality of life.