The basal ganglia are important parts of the brain that help control our movements. When these areas do not work properly, it can cause different movement problems. These problems can be grouped into two main types: hypokinetic disorders and hyperkinetic disorders.

1. Hypokinetic Disorders:

• Example: Parkinson's Disease
  • This condition makes it hard to move. People might feel stiff, move more slowly, or have shaking hands.
  • The main issue is the loss of special brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps with movement. When there is less dopamine, the brain sends more signals to stop movement, which reduces how much a person can move.

2. Hyperkinetic Disorders:

• Example: Huntington's Disease
  • This disorder causes uncontrolled movements, often called chorea.
  • It happens because some brain cells in the basal ganglia start to break down. When this happens, the brain can't control movements properly, leading to extra and unplanned movements.

3. Functional Anatomy:

• The basal ganglia include parts like the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus.
• These parts work together to help the brain send movement commands and ensure our movements are smooth and controlled.

In short, when the basal ganglia do not work well, it affects how our brain sends signals about movement. This can result in either not being able to move much or moving in ways that we can't control.