Glossary / Lexicon

Putamen is the structure of the basal ganglia. Also, Putamen refers to a large subcortical structure, one part of the basal

ganglia.

The putamen is a structure in the brain that is part of the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei located deep within the cerebral hemispheres. The putamen is involved in a variety of cognitive and motor functions, including movement control, learning, and reward processing.

Examples of the putamen's role in psychology include:

1. Movement control: The putamen is involved in the initiation and control of voluntary movements. Studies have shown that damage to the putamen can result in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.

2. Learning and habit formation: The putamen is involved in the formation of habits and the learning of new skills. Studies have shown that the putamen is activated when individuals learn new motor skills, such as playing a musical instrument or typing on a keyboard.

3. Reward processing: The putamen is involved in the processing of reward-related stimuli. Studies have shown that the putamen is activated when individuals receive a reward, such as money or food, or when they anticipate a reward.

4. Addiction: The putamen is involved in the development and maintenance of addiction. Studies have shown that individuals with substance use disorders have abnormalities in the structure and function of the putamen.

Similar structures in the brain to the putamen include:

1. Caudate nucleus: The caudate nucleus is another structure in the basal ganglia that is involved in movement control and learning. The caudate nucleus works together with the putamen to control motor movements and form habits.

2. Globus pallidus: The globus pallidus is a structure in the basal ganglia that is involved in the regulation of voluntary movements. The globus pallidus works together with the putamen and caudate nucleus to control motor movements.

3. Nucleus accumbens: The nucleus accumbens is a structure in the basal ganglia that is involved in the processing of reward-related stimuli. The nucleus accumbens works together with the putamen to process rewarding stimuli and reinforce behaviors.

4. Subthalamic nucleus: The subthalamic nucleus is a structure in the basal ganglia that is involved in the regulation of voluntary movements. The subthalamic nucleus works together with the globus pallidus and substantia nigra to control motor movements.

In summary, the putamen is a structure in the brain that is involved in a variety of cognitive and motor functions, including movement control, learning, and reward processing. Examples of its role in psychology include movement disorders, habit formation, reward processing, and addiction. Similar structures in the brain to the putamen include the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens, and subthalamic nucleus, which all play a role in the regulation of voluntary movements, learning, and reward processing.