The nucleus accumbens is a nuclear structure in the basal forebrain.
Function
The nucleus accumbens is an important component of the reward system.
Anatomy
Afferent connections
The nucleus accumbens is innervated by dopaminergic neurons from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain[^1].
Efferent connections
The majority of efferent connections run to various regions of the Mesencephalon and the Basal ganglia.
Clinical relevance
The nucleus accumbens has been associated with a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, obesity, and substance use disorders[^2].