Direct pathway of movement

The striatum modulates movement by two pathways: a direct pathway and an indirect pathway.

In the direct pathway, striatal neurons directly inhibit neurons in the globus pallidus internus, which reduces the inhibition of the thalamic neurons responsible for excitation of the premotor cortex.

Thus, the direct pathway facilitates movement, and anything inhibiting it (e.g. Parkinson's disease) causes akinesia.