 The term "locus niger" was introduced by Félix Vicq-d'Azyr as "tache noire" in (1786), though that structure has since become known as the substantia nigra, due to contributions by Von Sömmering in 1788.The structural similarity between the substantia nigra and globus pallidus was noted by Mirto in 1896.Together, the two are known as the pallidonigral ensemble, which represents the core of the basal ganglia.