basal ganglia

[Loren A. Evey]

In Article<4gci8p$ime at grapool30.rz.uni-frankfurt.de>, 
> > I have a quick question, and I'm hoping someone can respond to me via 

> > email at stclair at cris.com.  Can the basal ganglia be seen on gross 
> > dissection?  How easily?   Thanks!
> > Connie
> Get real, get a textbook, and get questions like those off the net. 
Greetings from human gross anatomy!
> Helmut

The internal capsule and the relation to the two major nuclei is easily 
visible (i.c. is not part of the complex).  As you may have encountered, 
there are descrepancies in the brain areas included as "the" basal 
ganglia.  These differences reflect anatomy versus function.  Although 
much of this neuroanatomy is visible, you do not typicallly hear the 
phrase "Human Gross Neuroanatomy" in the States.  Dissection of the brain 
is done in courses of "Human Neuroanatomy."  Human Gross Anatomy usually 
passes the baton at the interface of skull foramina and meninges.

With the current wave of "relevance" sweeping the country (states), the 
basal ganglia are a great object of study.  There is a wealth of 
information pertaining to basic research and clinical applications.