Nucleus basalis
From Psy3241
Nucleus basalis is a structure located in the forebrain. This structure contains a high level of cholinergic neurons or acetylcholine releasing neurons. These neurons play an important role in the parasympathetic nervous system.
The nucleus basalis has also been mentioned in relation to memory formation. By involving the nucleus basalis in the learning process it promotes memory storage. On the contrary, the loss of the cortical choline transfer is said to negatively affect memory storage as seen in Alzheimer's patients. Degeneration of the nucleus basalis is also said to occur in patients with Parkinson's disease.
It was named for Theodor Meynert.
ref: encyclopedia.com
Induction of behavioral associative memory by stimulation of the nucleus basalis Dewey E. McLin III, Alexandre A. Miasnikov, and Norman M. Weinberge Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3800 Communicated by James L. McGaugh, University of California, Irvine, CA, January 31, 2002 (received for review November 6, 2001)
