Substantia Nigra

3 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Description

The Substantia Nigra is a component of the Midbrain located between the Tegmentum and the Cerebral Peduncles.  A small portion of the Substantia Nigra extends into the Subthalamus of the Diencephalon of the Brain.  The Substantia Nigra is also a major component of the Extra-Pyrimidal System of the Central Nervous System.  The Substantia Nigra has a dark color, attributable to the presence of Neuromelanin (a from of Melanin).

 

Biological Function of the Substantia Nigra

Nervous System

 5-HT1B Receptors are located in the Substantia Nigra.

   5-HT1C Receptors are located in the Substantia Nigra.

 The Substantia Nigra contains the highest concentration of Cannabinoid Receptors within the body.

 Dopamine-using Neurons (i.e. Dopaminergic Neurons) proliferate within the Substantia Nigra:

 The highest concentration of Dopamine within the body is found within the Substantia Nigra.

 The Substantia Nigra is the primary site of Dopamine synthesis within the body.

 The Dopaminergic Neurons of the Substantia Nigra extend outside the Substantia Nigra into the Striatum (this Dopaminergic pathway is known as the Nigrostriatal pathway).

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