Nucleus accumbens

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Nucleus Accumbens

The Nucleus Accumbens (pronounced: noo-klee-us ak-cum-benz), often referred to as the NAc or Accumbens Nucleus, is a region in the brain that plays a significant role in the reward circuit.

Etymology

The term "Nucleus Accumbens" is derived from Latin, with "nucleus" meaning "core" and "accumbens" meaning "lying down". This refers to its location in the brain, lying down in the basal forebrain.

Function

The Nucleus Accumbens is a part of the Basal Ganglia, a group of nuclei in the brain associated with a variety of functions including motor control, cognition, emotions, and learning. Specifically, the NAc is involved in the brain's reward circuit, playing a crucial role in pleasure, reinforcement learning, reward-seeking behavior, and impulsivity.

Structure

The Nucleus Accumbens is divided into two structures: the Nucleus Accumbens Core and the Nucleus Accumbens Shell. These two structures have different morphology and function. The core is involved in motor function, while the shell is involved in the reward system.

Clinical Significance

The Nucleus Accumbens has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders, including Addiction, Depression, and Schizophrenia. It is also a target for deep brain stimulation in treatment-resistant depression.

Related Terms

  • Dopamine: A neurotransmitter that is released in the Nucleus Accumbens during rewarding experiences.
  • Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA): A group of neurons located close to the midline on the floor of the midbrain, which sends dopaminergic projections to the Nucleus Accumbens.
  • Reward System: A group of neural structures responsible for incentive salience (i.e., "wanting" or desire), pleasure (i.e., "liking" or hedonic value), and positive reinforcement.

External links

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