Internal capsule

Internal Capsule

The Internal Capsule is a white matter structure situated in the inferomedial part of each cerebral hemisphere of the brain. It carries information past the basal ganglia, linking the thalamus with the cerebral cortex. The Internal Capsule contains both ascending and descending axonal fibers, making it a crucial conduit of information.

Anatomy

The Internal Capsule is V-shaped when viewed from above. The bend in the V is called the genu of the internal capsule. The part coming off the genu toward the cerebral cortex is referred to as the anterior limb; the part coming off the genu toward the thalamus is referred to as the posterior limb.

Function

The Internal Capsule is a major conduit of information from the cerebral cortex. It carries sensory information to the cortex, motor information away from the cortex, and interhemispheric communications.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Internal Capsule can result in a type of stroke called lacunar stroke. This can lead to motor deficits, sensory deficits, or both.

See Also

• Cerebral Cortex
• Thalamus
• Basal Ganglia
• Stroke
• Lacunar Stroke

References

Internal capsule Resources
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