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Glite Dictionary
subthalamus

subthalamus

1 9.9
A small part of the brain below the thalamus that helps control movement
  • noun
  • /sʌbˈθeɪləməs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subtálamo
  • Research has shown that damage to the subthalamus can lead to difficulty in movement and coordination.

Examples

  • Doctors study the subthalamus to better understand its impact on various neurological conditions.

  • We called it the subthalamus, which projects directly to the striatum, as does the older parts of the of the thalamus.

  • The subthalamus plays a crucial role in regulating motor control and movements in the brain.

Surface Forms

subthalamus singular
subthalami plural

Morphology

subthalamus = thalamus (transparent) = sub + thalamus + sub

Meaning is a literal spatial composition: 'sub-' (under) + 'thalamus' = located beneath the thalamus.

Etymology

Subthalamus is built from sub- 'under' (as in submarine) and thalamus, the brain's central 'chamber', so the name means 'under the thalamus'. So the subthalamus is literally the part that sits below the thalamus and helps control movement.