Functional and anatomical aspects of the habenular complex of epithalamus

Abstract

© 2014, Serbian Medical Society . All rights reserved. The habenular nuclear complex presents bilateral part of epithalamus, consisting of medial (nc. habenularis medialis - MHb) and lateral (nc. habenularis lateralis - LHb) habenular nucleus. According to its anatomical position and neuronal connections it is a “crossroads” of pathways of the limbic system and basal ganglia. The human habenular complex is involved in control of brain reward system and it is considered to play a very important role in emotional processes. It is involved in the regulation of the activity of dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic and cholinergic neurons of the brainstem and their transmission in structures involved in cognitive processes. It participates in determination of behavior and motor responses, acting through motivational processes. The dysfunction of the complex may be important for the development of a variety of neurological and mental disorders. Lesions of habenular complex lead to cognitive and motor dysfunction, behavioral changes, changes in response to pain, stress, sleep disorders, mood and attention disorders and inadequate value-based decision-making. In recent years, there is a growing interest of scientists in this brain structure, as it represents the target area of new therapeutic methods of treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.