Which structures are included in the basal ganglia?

• A. Hippocampus and amygdala
• B. Caudate and lenticular nuclei
• C. Olfactory bulb and optic tract
• D. Thalamus and hypothalamus

Answer: (B)

The basal ganglia are deep gray-matter networks that help regulate and refine movement. A key part of this network is the caudate nucleus together with the lentiform nucleus, the latter term referring to the putamen plus the globus pallidus. These structures are classic components of the basal ganglia and work with other related nuclei to modulate motor commands before they reach the spinal cord.

Hippocampus and amygdala belong to the limbic system and are more about memory and emotion, not motor regulation. The olfactory bulb and optic tract are sensory pathways, not motor-control centers. The thalamus and hypothalamus are diencephalic structures that relay and regulate many functions but are not classified as part of the basal ganglia.