MOTOR FUNCTIONS OF THE BASAL GANGLIA

A study of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Huntingt on's disease can provide an indication of the motor functions of the b asal ganglia. Basal-ganglia diseases affect voluntary movement and can cause involuntary movement. Deficits are often manifested during the coordination of fine multi-joint movements (e. g., handwriting). The d isturbances of motor control (e. g. akinesia, bradykinesia) caused by basal-ganglia disorders are illustrated. Data suggest that the basal g anglia play an important role in the automatic execution of serially o rdered complex movements.