The pars reticulata (SNpr) is a portion of the substantia nigra and is located lateral to the pars compacta. Most of the neurons that project out of the pars reticulata are inhibitory GABAergic neurons (i.e., these neurons release GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter).
HINT:
In this Dossier
- ⭐ Core Definition: Pars reticulata
- Pars reticulata in the context of Substantia nigra
- Pars reticulata in the context of Pars compacta
Pars reticulata in the context of Substantia nigra
The substantia nigra (SN) is a basal ganglia structure located in the midbrain that plays an important role in reward and movement. Substantia nigra is Latin for "black substance", reflecting the fact that parts of the substantia nigra appear darker than neighboring areas due to high levels of neuromelanin in dopaminergic neurons. Parkinson's disease is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.
Although the substantia nigra appears as a continuous band in brain sections, anatomical studies have found that it actually consists of two parts with very different connections and functions: the pars compacta (SNpc) and the pars reticulata (SNpr). The pars compacta serves mainly as a projection to the basal ganglia circuit, supplying the striatum with dopamine. The pars reticulata conveys signals from the basal ganglia to numerous other brain structures.
View the full Wikipedia page for Substantia nigraPars reticulata in the context of Pars compacta
The pars compacta (SNpc, SNc) is one of two subdivisions of the substantia nigra of the midbrain (the other being the pars reticulata); it is situated medial to the pars reticulata. It is formed by dopaminergic neurons. It projects to the striatum and portions of the cerebral cortex. It is functionally involved in fine motor control.
Parkinson's disease is characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons in this region.
View the full Wikipedia page for Pars compacta