substantia nigra

a region of gray matter in the midbrain, named for its dark pigmentation, that sends dopaminergic neurons to the basal ganglia. Depletion of dopaminergic neurons in this region is implicated in Parkinson’s disease.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

excitotoxic lesion

a lesion caused by paroxysmal overactivity of neurons, which may be associated with seizures or occur after stroke. This is most commonly caused by overstimulation of neurons by excitatory amino acids (see excitotoxicity).