Nucleus Accumbens
The nucleus accumbens is situated within the basal forebrain. This small yet essential structure is a significant part of the ventral striatum and is placed between the caudate and putamen. The nucleus accumbens is partitioned into two physiological features- the central core and outer shell. The nucleus accumbens acts as a neuronal intersection. Its complex network facilitates various cognitive functions- voluntary movement, operant conditioning, motivation, and slow-wave sleep. The two divisions of the nucleus accumbens- the shell and core- function in distinct yet cooperative ways....