Definition of Globus pallidus

Globus pallidus: A pale-appearing spherical area in the brain. The globus pallidus is part of what is called the lentiform nucleus which, in turn, is part of the striate body, a component of the basal ganglia, large masses of gray matter at the base of the cerebral hemispheres of the brain.

Cells within the globus pallidus may be preferentially damaged and perish in carbon monoxide poisoning, barbiturate intoxication, cyanide poisoning, hydrogen sulfide poisoning, profound prolonged hypoglycemia, hypoxia, hypotension, and Wilson disease.

Globus is a Latin word meaning a globe or sphere. Pallidus refers to its pallor relative to the surrounding brain substance. The globus pallidus is also called the pale globe, the palladum, and the paleostriatum (because it was thought to have evolved before the neostriatum, a different part of the striate body).