This article highlights recent discoveries related to the accumbens and
closely associated structures, with special reference to their importance
in neuropsychiatry. The development of "striatal patches" in the accumbens
is reviewed in a series of pictures. Neuronal ensembles are discussed as
potentially important functional-anatomical units. Attention is also drawn
to recent discoveries related to the neuronal circuits that the primate
accumbens establishes with the mesencephalic dopamine system. On the basis
of histological and neurochemical differences, the accumbens has been
divided into core and shell compartments. In the context of this article,
the shell, which is an especially diversified part of the accumbens, is the
subject of special attention because of its close relation to the extended
amygdala and distinctive response to antipsychotic and psychoactive
drugs.Abstract Teaser