What is the role of the external capsule?

The external capsule serves as a significant anatomical feature within the brain. It is specifically a thin layer of white matter situated between the putamen, which is part of the basal ganglia responsible for various aspects of movement regulation, and the claustrum, a somewhat enigmatic structure that may play roles in sensory processing and consciousness.

This layer of white matter is essential for the transmission of information between different brain regions. It contains various fibers that contribute to the connectivity of the cerebral cortex with other subcortical structures, thereby playing a pivotal role in integrating and processing information. Understanding its location and function is critical in neuroanatomy, as it highlights the complexity of neural pathways and the importance of white matter in coordinating between structures involved in motor and cognitive functions.