Nucleus accumbens

Nucleus accumbens (NAc or NAcc), also known as accumbens nucleus or as nucleus accumbens septi (Latin for nucleus adjacent to the septum), is a region in the brain that plays a significant role in the cognitive processing of motivation, pleasure, and reward and reinforcement learning, as well as in the cognitive processing of aversion, fear, and disgust.

Anatomy

The nucleus accumbens is a part of the striatum. It is divided into two structures: the nucleus accumbens core and the nucleus accumbens shell. These structures have different morphology and function.

Function

The nucleus accumbens plays a role in reward, pleasure, and addiction. It is also involved in fear and aggression. The nucleus accumbens has been implicated in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Clinical significance

The nucleus accumbens has been studied in relation to drug addiction, depression, and schizophrenia. It is thought to play a role in the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, as well as in the craving and relapse that often occur in addiction.

See also

• Basal ganglia
• Dopamine
• Reward system

References

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