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Which one of the following brain structures' dopaminergic neurons have been linked with Tourette's syndrome and the development of tics?

A. Caudate
B. Substantia nigra
C. Amygdaloid body
D. Frontal cortex
E. Hippocampus

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The caudate nucleus's dopaminergic neurons are associated with Tourette's syndrome and the development of tics, implicating its role in the control of motor activity and suppression of involuntary movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dopaminergic neurons that have been linked with Tourette's syndrome and the development of tics are located in the caudate nucleus. The caudate is part of the basal ganglia, which are a set of subcortical structures in the brain. Notably, the substantia nigra, another brain structure that produces dopamine and is involved in the control of movement, is not directly implicated in Tourette's syndrome, but it is a critical area affected in Parkinson's disease. The caudate nucleus receives major inputs from the cortex and can influence dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra via feedback projections which are involved in the control of motor activity, including the suppression of involuntary movements. Therefore, dysfunction in these dopaminergic pathways, particularly involving the caudate, could be associated with the pathophysiology of tic disorders.

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