The association cortex and the basal ganglia: a neuroanatomical view upon their relationship based on hodological...

A general view of the neuroanatomical relationship between the association cortex and the basal ganglia is presented in this article. Firstly, a definition is provided upon which part of the cerebral cortex will be taken into account for that anatomical correlation. Secondly, the corticostriatal projections as a whole, and particularly those from the prefrontal, parieto-temporo-occipital, and limbic cortices are evaluated within the basal ganglia circuits. Thirdly, a functional interpretation is offered upon the diencephalic and mesencephalic influences reached by the basal ganglia nuclei related principally to those areas of the cerebral cortex aforementioned. Finally, some speculations are formulated hoping to throw some light upon the anatomical and physiological significance of the basal ganglia in health and disease.