[Individual anatomic variability of the subthalamic nucleus in frontal sections]

The paper presents the results of studying individual variability of the shape, size and disposition of the subthalamic nucleus. Under investigation were 100 preparations. The structure was studied in serial frontal sections of the diencephalon and midbrain taken 1 mm apart. A considerable variability of the disposition of the subthalamic nucleus was revealed relative to intracerebral reference--points used in stereotaxic operations. The limits are outlined within which stereotaxical lesions should be avoided.