The Oval Nucleus of the Mesopallium (Hyperstriatum Ventrale) (MO, formerly HVo)

The oval nucleus of the mesopallium (hyperstriatum ventrale) (MO, formerly HVo) is a prominent vocal control nucleus in parrots which, we believe, is essential for learning, but not producing contact calls. MO is extensively interconnected with the auditory system and with both the basal ganglia component of the parrot vocal system (the magnocellular nucleus of the medial striatum or MStrm) as well as with the descending pathways for control of the syrinx (the central nucleus of the lateral nidopallium or NLc). MO is thus poised to utilize auditory feedback during sensorimotor learning.

References:

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