Lentiform nucleus

Lentiform nucleus
	Two views of a model of the striatum (on the right side of the brain): A, lateral aspect; B, medial aspect.
	Schematic representation of the chief ganglionic categories (I to V).
Details
Latin	nucleus lentiformis
Identifiers
MeSH	A08.186.211.730.885.105.487
NeuroNames	ancil-253
TA	Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 744: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
	Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy [[[d:Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 863: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).\|edit on Wikidata]]]

The lentiform nucleus or lenticular nucleus comprises the putamen and the globus pallidus within the basal ganglia. It is a large, cone-shaped mass of gray matter just lateral to the internal capsule.

Structure

When divided horizontally, it exhibits, to some extent, the appearance of a biconvex lens, while a coronal section of its central part presents a somewhat triangular outline.

It is shorter than the caudate nucleus and does not extend as far forward.

Boundaries

It is lateral to the caudate nucleus and thalamus, and is seen only in sections of the hemisphere.

It is bounded laterally by a lamina of white substance called the external capsule, and lateral to this is a thin layer of gray substance termed the claustrum.

Its anterior end is continuous with the lower part of the head of the caudate nucleus and with the anterior perforated substance.

Components

In a coronal section through the middle of the lentiform nucleus, two medullary laminæ are seen dividing it into three parts.

The lateral and largest part is of a reddish color, and is known as the putamen, while the medial and intermediate are of a yellowish tint, and together constitute the globus pallidus; all three are marked by fine radiating white fibers, which are most distinct in the putamen.

Etymology

The name comes from Latin and means lens-shaped, probably referring to the appearance of the nucleus from the side.

Additional images

Dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view.
Superficial dissection of brain-stem. Ventral view.
Transverse section through mid-brain.
Section of brain showing upper surface of temporal lobe.
Coronal section of brain immediately in front of pons.
Coronal section through anterior cornua of lateral ventricles.
Ventricles of brain and basal ganglia. Superior view. Horizontal section. Deep dissection
Ventricles of brain and basal ganglia. Superior view. Horizontal section. Deep dissection