GPe belongs to the basal ganglia and forms the outer part of the globus pallidus . The nucleus exhibits periods of inhibitory (GABA-erg) self-activity with a discharge frequency around 70 Hz. and is part of the so-called indirect pathway from the cerebral cortex through the basal ganglia to the thalamus.
The indirect pathway has a slowing effect on the thalamus, thus reducing the flow of impulses from the thalamus to the cortex and inhibiting motor skills.