Subthalamic Nucleus: Neuroanatomical Review

Discovered in 1865 by Jules Bernard Luys, the subthalamic nucleus is a set of small nuclei located in the diencephalon, inferior to the thalamus and superior to the substantia nigra, that can be visualized in a posterior coronal section. Histologically, it consists of neurons compactly distributed and filled with a large number of blood vessels and sparse myelinated fibers. This review presents an analysis of this anatomical region, considering what is most recent in the literature. Subthalamic neurons are excitatory and use glutamate as the neurotransmitter. In healthy individuals, these neurons are inhibited by nerve cells located in the side globus pallidus. However, if the fibers that make up the afferent circuit are damaged, the neurons become highly excitable, thus causing motor disturbances that can be classified as hyperkinetic, for example ballism and chorea, or hypokinetic, for example Parkinson disease (PD). The advent of deep brain stimulation has given the subthalamic nucleus great visibility. Studies reveal that the stimulation of this nucleus improves themotor symptoms of PD.

[Evaluation of oral health service in Grão Mogol city, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: the users voice]. / Avaliação do serviço de saúde bucal no município de Grão Mogol, Minas Gerais, Brasil: a voz do usuário.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the oral health services in the city of Grão Mogol, Brazil by analyzing the users perceptions. It was chosen the qualitative methodology using a semi-structured interview. The aspects investigated included the perception of the process of oral health/illness; knowledge, practices and value attributed to oral health; access to services; professional/patient relationship and assistance received. The interviews were analyzed and the central ideas extracted, which were considered in a final analysis of the study. It was observed that the oral health service in this city is going through a period of changes, but it still exist an iatrogenic-mutilator practice. However, health prevention and promotion gains space within health actions, acting as important factors to enhance oral health assistance and resulting improvement of the population quality of life. Users can feel the evolution of the service, but admit the necessity of more organization and definition on the access to services as well as an improvement on the communication professional/patient. The population starts to value the oral health as something important within the life conditions of each individual.