The basal ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei including the corpus striatum, substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus, and ventral tegmental area. The corpus striatum contains the striatum, globus pallidus, and ventral pallidum. The basal ganglia are responsible for automatic motor control and learned movements. Dysfunction of the basal ganglia leads to movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and hemiballism. Animal models help confirm the role of basal ganglia in these conditions.