The basal nuclei, also known as basal ganglia, are clusters of neuron cell bodies located beneath the cerebral cortex, functioning as islands of gray matter within the surrounding white matter. These nuclei primarily communicate with the premotor cortex and play a crucial role in regulating movement. Their key functions include initiating and halting movements, managing repetitive motions, and inhibiting antagonistic movements, which helps prevent unwanted or unnecessary actions. Dysfunction in the basal nuclei can lead to symptoms such as tremors, twitching, or jerking movements.

The basal nuclei consist of several important structures. The largest of these is the caudate nucleus, represented in blue, and directly beneath it is the putamen, shown in yellow. Together, these two structures form the striatum, which serves as the primary input region for the basal nuclei. A mnemonic to remember this is "please consider the striatum," where 'p' stands for putamen, 'c' for caudate nucleus, and 's' for striatum. Below the striatum lies the globus pallidus, which translates to "pale globe," indicating its distinct position and function within the basal nuclei.

It is important to note that while the term "basal nuclei" is the correct anatomical designation, the term "basal ganglia" is commonly used in various fields, including medicine and psychology, to refer to the same structures. Understanding these terms and their functions is essential for grasping the complexities of movement regulation in the human brain.