Tail of caudate nucleus

The tail of caudate nucleus is the long, slender continuation of its body. It follows the characteristic C-shaped course of the caudate nucleus, curving inferiorly and then anteriorly from the region of the body into the temporal lobe.

Relationship with lateral ventricle and amygdala

In the temporal lobe, the tail follows the course of the inferior (temporal) horn of the lateral ventricle, lying along its roof. It extends anteriorly toward the amygdaloid body, which lies near its terminal part.

Functional correlates

As part of the caudate nucleus and striatum, the tail participates in corticostriatal basal ganglia circuits. Posterior regions of the caudate are particularly associated with learning and visual information processing, including interactions with temporal cortical areas. However, these functions should be viewed as part of interconnected caudate circuits rather than as functions confined exclusively to the tail.