Definition & Meaning of "putamen"

What is "putamen"?

The putamen is a distinct nucleus located within the basal ganglia of the brain. It plays a crucial role in motor control and coordination, working in conjunction with other structures to regulate voluntary movements. The putamen receives input from various regions of the cortex and sends output to the globus pallidus, facilitating the execution and fine-tuning of motor commands. Dysfunction or damage to the putamen can lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease.