Table: Locating the Basal Ganglia - MSD Manual Consumer Version

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Locating the Basal Ganglia

The basal ganglia are collections of nerve cells located deep within the brain. They include the following:

Caudate nucleus (a C-shaped structure that tapers to a thin tail)
Putamen
Globus pallidus (located next to the putamen)
Subthalamic nucleus
Substantia nigra

The basal ganglia help initiate and smooth out muscle movements, suppress involuntary movements, and coordinate changes in posture.

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