major collection of fibers that run between the neocortex and thalamus in both directions
and then on to the brainstem and spinal cord
divides the striatum into the putamen and the caudate nucleus
bidirectional
two limbs
anterior limb
posterior limb
motor and somatosensory information
exits the cerebral hemispheres at the level of the midbrain as the cerebral peduncles
cerebral peduncles = coalesced tight unidirectional descending bundle
because the fibers in the internal capsule are bundled so closely
v vulnerable to strokes - can cause hemiplegia or hemiparesis
because the brainstem is v crowded, strokes there are often accompanied by other 'neighborhood signs'
most of the muscles in the trunk are bilaterally innervated, which protects them against stroke
hemiplegic patients can hold their torso upright
forehead is also bilaterally innervated
peduncle = stalk