Internal capsule

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Genu capsulae internae)

Telencephalon-Horiconatal.jpg

== Internal Capsule ==

The internal capsule is a white matter structure situated in the brain. It is a crucial pathway that contains both ascending and descending axons, which transmit information between the cerebral cortex and the brainstem or spinal cord. The internal capsule is divided into several parts: the anterior limb, the genu, and the posterior limb.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The internal capsule is bordered by the caudate nucleus medially and the lentiform nucleus laterally. It is divided into three main parts:

  • Anterior limb: Located between the head of the caudate nucleus and the lentiform nucleus. It contains fibers that connect the thalamus to the frontal lobe.
  • Genu: The bend between the anterior and posterior limbs. It contains corticobulbar fibers, which are involved in motor control of the face.
  • Posterior limb: Located between the thalamus and the lentiform nucleus. It contains corticospinal fibers, which are involved in motor control of the body, and sensory fibers from the thalamus to the sensory cortex.

Function[edit | edit source]

The internal capsule plays a vital role in the transmission of motor and sensory information. It contains:

  • Corticospinal tract: Transmits motor signals from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord.
  • Corticobulbar tract: Transmits motor signals from the cerebral cortex to the brainstem.
  • Thalamocortical fibers: Transmit sensory information from the thalamus to the cerebral cortex.
  • Corticothalamic fibers: Transmit information from the cerebral cortex to the thalamus.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Lesions in the internal capsule can lead to significant neurological deficits. Common conditions associated with damage to the internal capsule include:

  • Stroke: Can cause motor and sensory deficits depending on the location of the lesion.
  • Multiple sclerosis: Demyelination can affect the fibers within the internal capsule, leading to various neurological symptoms.
  • Traumatic brain injury: Can result in damage to the internal capsule, affecting motor and sensory pathways.

Imaging[edit | edit source]

The internal capsule can be visualized using various neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and CT scan. These imaging modalities help in diagnosing conditions affecting the internal capsule and planning appropriate treatment strategies.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD