Substantia Nigra (Noun)
Meaning
A layer of deeply pigmented grey matter in the midbrain; associated with the striate body; is involved in metabolic disturbances associated with Parkinson's disease and with Huntington's disease.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- Damage to the substantia nigra can cause movement problems characteristic of Parkinson's disease, including tremors and difficulty walking.
- In a study, researchers identified genetic mutations affecting the substantia nigra that are linked to a higher risk of developing Huntington's disease.
- A patient diagnosed with Parkinson's showed significant degeneration of the substantia nigra on MRI scans.
- Research on animal models of Parkinson's has highlighted the importance of dopamine production in the substantia nigra.
- Studies on brain pathology in patients with Huntington's have found atrophy in the substantia nigra as a contributing factor to the progression of motor symptoms.