Indirect pathway

Definition

In the context of the central nervous system, the indirect pathway is a neural circuit that modulates motor control, usually inhibiting movements by connecting different regions of the brain through intermediary steps. Unlike the direct pathway which facilitates specific motor movements, the indirect pathway involves more complex interactions and often suppresses unnecessary or unwanted motions.

Related terms

Basal Ganglia:

A group of nuclei in the brain associated with a range of functions including motor control, emotions, and cognitive functions.

Motor Cortex:

The region of the cerebral cortex involved in planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.

Neurotransmitter:

Chemicals released by neurons that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another, playing key roles in managing neural pathways including those in the indirect pathway