Cognitive-Motor Interactions of the Basal Ganglia in Development

Author: Marcela Barragán, Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Kinesiology, Diploma in Neuroscience, Systematic Reviewer at Cochrane U.K., Master in Research Methodology.

Cell: 591-70639452

Email: barragan.marcela.mbl@gmail.com

Abstract: The basal ganglia play a crucial role in cognitive-motor interactions in the developing brain. This article examines the influence of these neural circuits on motor control, adaptive function, and reward-based learning. It discusses the organization of discrete circuits connecting the basal ganglia with the cerebral cortex, highlighting their role in sequencing complete motor acts and cognitive function. Studies supporting the importance of understanding these interactions for the treatment of neurological and developmental disorders are reviewed.

Keywords: Basal Ganglia, Cognitive-Motor Interactions, Brain Development, Motor Control, Adaptive Function.

Introduction: The basal ganglia are key structures in integrating motor and cognitive activity in the human brain. This article addresses the relevance of these nuclei in brain development and their implication in cognitive-motor interactions. Previous research demonstrating their involvement in motor control, movement sequencing, and cognitive function is reviewed.

Development: The neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive-motor interactions mediated by the basal ganglia are analyzed, highlighting their role in reward-based learning and the modulation of motor activity. The connection between the basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex is discussed, emphasizing the importance of these circuits in coordinating complex behaviors.

Figure 1

As shown in Figure 1 (Leisman, 2021), the basal ganglia, clinically including the subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra, exhibit high interconnection among their component structures. The striatum is associated with input and output signaling related to the globus pallidus and substantia nigra.

Conclusions: In summary, the basal ganglia emerge as essential elements in the neuronal network underpinning cognitive-motor interactions in the developing brain. Understanding the function of these circuits in regulating motor control and behavioral adaptation is crucial for designing therapeutic interventions in neurological and developmental disorders. The need to continue research in this field to advance understanding of the neurobiological bases of cognition and movement is emphasized.

References:

Leisman G., Braun-Benjamin O., Melillo R. (2013). "Basal Ganglia: Motor and Cognitive Relationships in a Neurobehavioral Clinical Context". Rev. Neurociencias. 24, 9–25. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3923298/

Durston S., Thomas KM, Worden MS, Yang Y., Casey BJ (2002). "The effect of prior context on inhibition: an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging study". Neuroimage 16, 449–453.

Fitzpatrick RC, Taylor JL, McCloskey DI (1992). Human standing ankle stiffness to imperceptible perturbation: reflex and task-dependent components. J. Physiol. 454, 533–547.

For further information, please contact Marcela Barragán via email at barragan.marcela.mbl@gmail.com or by phone at 591-70639452.