The
basal ganglia (or
basal nuclei) comprise multiple subcortical
nuclei, of varied origin, in the
brains of
vertebrates, which are situated at the base of the
forebrain. Basal ganglia nuclei are strongly interconnected with the
cerebral cortex,
thalamus, and
brainstem, as well as several other brain areas. The basal ganglia are associated with a variety of functions including: control of voluntary motor movements, procedural
learning, routine behaviors or "habits" such as
bruxism, eye movements,
cognition and emotion.