The brain is like a computer or any smart device with a CPU, a motherboard, and other smaller components controlling specific functions. Each has a vital role that keeps the brain and body functioning. One of these components is the substantia nigra.
The substantia nigra function is to produce dopamine and assist in controlling movement as part of structures and circuits in the brain. Other functions of this midbrain nucleus are controlling body movements and regulating muscle tone through dopamine levels.
Dopamine is an essential hormone and neurotransmitter in the body. It is responsible for motivation and making you anticipate a reward after a task. A well-functioning substantia nigra is vital for your mental health and well-being. Let’s investigate this critical nucleus.
What Is The Function Of The Substantia Nigra?What Does The Substantia Nigra Do?The Anatomy Of The Substantia NigraDisorders And Conditions Of The Substantia NigraWhat Treatments Are Available For Conditions Of The Substantia Nigra?How Can You Prevent Problems With Your Substantia Nigra?Conclusion
What Is The Function Of The Substantia Nigra?
What Does The Substantia Nigra Do?
The Anatomy Of The Substantia Nigra
Disorders And Conditions Of The Substantia Nigra
What Treatments Are Available For Conditions Of The Substantia Nigra?
How Can You Prevent Problems With Your Substantia Nigra?
Conclusion
The primaryfunctionof the substantia nigra is to produce and regulate dopamine. The other role of the substantia nigra is to control movement. The substantia nigra is a critical relay hub in the brain’s motor system.
When projections leave the substantia nigra from the forebrain, they form synapses on neuronal populations in the entire basal ganglia and also in the following areas –
The substantia nigra is a critical function element for the basal ganglia and its primary input for the circuits managing functions such as –
The substantia nigra is situated in the midbrain. It is posterior to the cerebral peduncle’s crus cerebri fibers and is divided into two segments, namely –
The substantia nigra pars compacta - The majority of the brain’s dopamine neurons are located in the ventral tegmental and substantia nigra. The substantia nigra pars compacta express high levels of neuromelanin, a dark-colored substance giving them a black appearance.
The substantia nigra pars reticulata – The majority of the brain’s GABA neurons are located in the substantia nigra pars reticulata region.
The substantia nigra forms connections with the brain as part of the basal ganglia producing dopamine that, in turn, controls muscle tone and movement.
The production of dopamine is critical for the body. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter and hormone responsible for mental health stability and is linked to the pleasure and reward center of the brain.
Dopamineis essential in many developmental stages of the body, and it’s important to have a positive association with dopamine release. If the dopamine levels are too high or too low, it will affect a person’s mental health and can indicate a neurological disease.
The two different segments of the substantia nigra have defined roles remarkably different from one another; for example –
The substantia nigra pars compacta neurons are full of dopamine and are connected to things such as –
The substantia nigra reticulata is full of GABA receptors or chemicals. GABA means gamma-aminobutyric acid, and this chemical is responsible for inhibiting certain brain activities. It controls aspects such as –
The substantia nigra is situated in themidbrainor center of the brain, just above the brain stem. From there, it leads down to where the skull and neck meet. There it connects to the spinal cord.
The substantia nigra is on either side of the mid-brain. Even though it is a singular term, the plural would besubstantiae nigrae. The entire substantia nigra comprises the substantia nigra pars compacta and the substantia nigra reticulata.
What Does The Substantia Nigra Look Like?
The substantia nigra forms part of the basal ganglia, but it is not classified as a ganglion but instead as a nucleus. A nucleus is a collection of cells that make up a structure with the same function or connections in the brain.
The substantia nigra is a small band of cells streaking across the midbrain area on both sides, almost like two thin paint brush strokes.
What Color Is The Substantia Nigra?
The substantia nigra is black in appearance and looks like a band, and the dark color is due to the melanin in the cells. The name substantia nigra means “black substance”in Latin. The rest of the brain matter is a grey-pink color making it stand out more.
How Big Is The Substantia Nigra?
The substantia nigra is small and not very noticeable except for its color. The average substantia nigra is so tiny that you can fit almost 30 into a space the size of a golf ball.
What Cells Are The Substantia Nigra Made Of?
The substantia nigra shares several similar cells to the basal ganglia. The following cells make up the substantia nigra and basal ganglia –
Glial Cells – The glial cells support other cells in the body’s nervous system. They do not relay or transmit messages or signals but enhance what the neurons do.
Neurons – Neurons are cells that collectively make up the nerves and brain. They are responsible for relaying and transmitting signals. In addition, neurons can convert signals into electrical or chemical forms.
Neurons are special cells that relay and send signals through the nervous system. They use chemical and electrical signals to forward these messages. Neurons are made of the following structures -
The Cell Body – The cell body is the central part.
The Myelin layer – The myelin sheath or layer is a thin fatty coating around the axon of neurons. It is vital for the protection of the nerves.
The Glial Cells – Glial cells are multi-purpose and develop during childhood. The glial cells function throughout the life of a human being. Glial cells protect the nervous system from severe infections and control the nervous system’s chemical balance.
Glial cells are up to ten times more abundant than neurons and are responsible for creating the protective myelin sheath that coats the neurons' axons.
Several disorders and conditions can affect the substantia nigra but are not specific to these conditions. The following diseases have been identified –
Conditions That Affect The Substantia Nigra – Common Signs And Symptoms
Because many conditions present similarly clinically, they must be investigated thoroughly to identify if it affects the substantia nigra.
Some signs and symptoms you can expect would be among the following –
Diagnostic Tests To Diagnose Conditions Affecting The Substantia Nigra
In modern medicine, several tests can successfullydiagnoseconditions affecting the brain, specifically the substantia nigra. They are as follows –
With so many conditions that can adversely affect the substantia nigra, there are many treatment options available. But, of course, the treatments will significantly depend on the situation and other clinical issues.
As with any serious or debilitating medical condition, there are always two types of treatments available, non-invasive with medication and therapy and invasive such as surgery. The treatment will depend on the situation, the stage of advancement, and the patient’s health.
While some patients may respond positively to a specific treatment, some may not, and it is up to the medical team to develop the best plan to assist their patient. Sometimes the treatment is symptomatic over a prolonged period.
The following clinical aspects are essential when considering treatment of the substantia nigra -
Lymphatic System And Blood Supply
The branches of the posterior and basilar arteries have split irrigation of the substantia nigra. As a result, the corticospinal tracts of the crus cerebri and the medial portion of the substantia nigra receive blood supply from the basilar artery’s paramedian branches.
Stroke-induced or triggered Parkinsonism is the least common form of acute onset Parkinsonism. It is referred to as vascular Parkinsonism. It usually presents about 12 months after the stroke.
Physiological Variants
A condition such as Parkinson’s disease is usually attributed to the degeneration of the substantia nigra. Typically this will happen over time, and the onset is generally in older patients. Currently, it is still not known what causes the onset of Parkinson’s, and it is an idiopathic disease.
There are a number of tested theories as to the cause or underlying trigger of Parkinson’s. Still, the reasons linked to the condition that affects the substantia nigra are environmental toxins, poisons, peripheral inflammation, and metabolic deficiencies.
A condition such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy can create issues such as –
Lewy bodies dementiais a progressive form of Parkinsonism and presents a rapid decline in cognition, attention span, alertness, and concentration. Certain degenerative conditions may show as Parkinson’s, but it is mainly due to multi-system atrophy. Some of these failures are-
It should be noted that corticobasal degeneration can manifest as severe coordination impairing form of Parkinsonism.
Surgical Options And Considerations
Surgery or surgical intervention is a good option in palliative care treatment options for diseases like Parkinson’s and conditions that affect the substantia nigra. A procedure called DBS or deep brain stimulation is recommended.
The electrode or catheter implantation disinhibits motor movement when there is an absence of dopamine released in the striatum. This catheter in the striatum targets the putamen with apomorphine.
The Clinical Significance Of Substantia Nigra Conditions
L-DOPAis an effective oral dopamine supplementation. This treatment is one of few that can cross the blood-brain barrier, a typically tricky obstacle in treating cerebral conditions. L-DOPA synthesizes dopamine throughout the central nervous system.
By using monoamine oxidase inhibitors, the metabolic breakdown of dopamine can be inhibited.
You can delay and possibly prevent several conditions that affect the substantia nigra in the brain. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine or prevent sudden onset conditions or diseases like Parkinson’s, but you can do whatever possible to minimize the risk.
Things you can so that is within your power are –
As part of the crucial neurological network of the body, the small dopamine-creating substantia nigra is one of the most critical and life-sustaining areas of your brain.
Keeping a finger on the pulse of your brain health is vitally important to delay or eliminate potentially debilitating conditions. So the next time you feel that surge of feel-good hormones while enjoying something you love, take a minute and thank your substantia nigra!
Related posts:Basal Ganglia (Function, Location, Parts)Basal Forebrain (Location + Function)Nucleus AccumbensCaudate Nucleus (Location + Functions)How Many Brain Cells Does a Human Have?
Related posts:
Reference this article:Practical Psychology. (2022, September).Substantia Nigra Function.Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/substantia-nigra-function/.Practical Psychology. (2022, September). Substantia Nigra Function. Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/substantia-nigra-function/.Copy
Reference this article:
Practical Psychology. (2022, September).Substantia Nigra Function.Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/substantia-nigra-function/.Practical Psychology. (2022, September). Substantia Nigra Function. Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/substantia-nigra-function/.Copy
Copy
