The human brain, with its intricate network of neurons, plays a crucial role in the formation and retention of memories that shape an individual’s identity. This opinion piece explores how the basal ganglia and limbic system collaborate in the creation and maintenance of memories, addressing their respective functions and the complexity of their interactions.
Base Nuclei : Structures and Functions
The basal ganglia are composed of several subcortical structures, including the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra. These structures are essential for motor control and also play significant roles in learning and memory. The caudate nucleus, for example, is involved in essential functions of behavior, memory, motivation, and movement coordination. Its dysfunction is associated with disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, highlighting its importance in motor control and the precision of fine movements (Buckner, 2019).
The globus pallidus, divided into medial and lateral, has different functions: while the medial part promotes motor activity, the lateral part inhibits it, demonstrating the complexity of the functions of the basal nuclei in regulating movements (Patel, 2019).
Limbic System : Emotions and Memory
The limbic system, located on the medial surface of the brain, is crucial for emotions and social behaviors. It includes structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. The hippocampus is critical in converting short-term memory into long-term memory and regulating hormone production, while the amygdala is involved in emotional response and the formation of memories associated with strong emotions (Patel, 2019; Zhong, 2020).
The hypothalamus, in turn, maintains homeostasis and regulates vital functions such as body temperature, hunger and thirst, as well as emotions such as anger and pleasure. The interaction of these limbic structures with the basal ganglia is essential for the integration of emotional memories with motor and cognitive memories (Rolls, 2019).
Functional Integration and Memory Formation
Memory formation is a process that involves multiple brain regions. Neurotransmitters play a fundamental role in communication between neurons. Dopamine, for example, is crucial for memory consolidation and is released in moments involving expectations of pleasant situations, acting as a stimulus for activities that bring this sensation (Pagan, 2019).
Memory is formed and consolidated through synaptic plasticity, a process that involves the modification of neuronal connections. The interaction between the amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex is vital for memory retrieval, demonstrating the complexity of the limbic system and basal ganglia in memory formation (Ye, 2020).
Conclusion
The complex interaction between the basal ganglia and the limbic system is fundamental to the formation and maintenance of human memories. These structures, with their specific and interconnected functions, contribute to the identity and behavior of the individual, shaping their experiences and emotional responses. Understanding these interactions is essential to advance our understanding of the neurobiological processes underlying memory and behavior.
Reference
RODRIGUES, F. de AA (2022). Regions of Life: Basal Ganglia and Limbic System. Regions of Life Journal, 5(1), 242-259. DOI: 10.38087/2595.8801.135.
