Position of the basal ganglia

The basal ganglia (or basal nuclei) are three areas under the cerebral cortex. They are part of the cerebrum (forebrain), and connected to the midbrain and the thalamus. They are vital to movement, and damage here results in damaged ability to move.

The three areas are:

1. striatum
   1. caudate nucleus
   2. putamen
2. pallidum (or globus pallidus)
   1. substantia nigra
   2. nucleus accubens
3. subthalamic nucleus

The range of behaviours controlled by the nuclei is wide. They control eye movements. They do voluntary motor control, learning procedures for routine behaviors or "habits", and cognitive emotional functions.