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Direction of inhibition (uni- or bi-directional?) in direction-senstive motion circuit ____.

User Nck
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Final answer:

In the basal nuclei, the direct and indirect pathways control movement, leading to either unidirectional or bidirectional inhibition, influenced by dopamine release from the substantia nigra pars compacta.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the direction of inhibition seen in direction-sensitive motion circuits within the context of neurobiology, specifically related to the basal nuclei and their pathways. The basal nuclei and substantia nigra pars compacta play a pivotal role in motor control. In the basal nuclei, two major pathways, the direct pathway and the indirect pathway, govern the initiation and inhibition of movements. In the interaction of these pathways, inhibition can occur in a direction-sensitive manner.

Disinhibition occurs through the direct pathway, resulting from the striatum inhibiting the internal globus pallidus (GPi) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), which in turn inhibits the thalamus less, enhancing thalamic stimulation of the motor areas of the cortex. Conversely, the indirect pathway increases overall inhibition of the thalamus by involving intermediary steps, such as the external globus pallidus (GPe) and subthalamic nucleus (STN), resulting in increased inhibition transmitted to the thalamus, thus reducing excitatory output to the motor cortex.

In essence, the final answer in two line explanation in 300 words could state that inhibition in the basal nuclei's motor control circuitry can be either unidirectional or bidirectional, depending on the balance between the direct and indirect pathways, with dopamine from substantia nigra pars compacta acting as a switch to facilitate or inhibit movement.

User Matt Miguel
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