How does the nucleus accumbens work?

The nucleus accumbens is a key component of the brain's reward system, playing a critical role in processing rewards, reinforcing behaviors, and motivational salience. It is known as the hub of the reward circuits. Within the nucleus accumbens, dopamine release influences behavior related to pleasure and reward. This area is interconnected with many parts of the brain, making it a complex structure involved not only in reward processing but also in behaviors like compulsive eating and other disorders.

For instance, in the context of obesity, the urge for a reward such as food is normal, but it becomes problematic if it risks health. Surgeons and researchers study specific regions within the nucleus accumbens that are involved with these reward-seeking behaviors and try to modulate them, especially in cases where such behaviors put the individual at risk 1.

Additionally, dopamine neurons located in the ventral tegmental area send projections to the nucleus accumbens. The activity in this area gets triggered by various stimuli that the brain interprets as rewards. This intricate activity within the nucleus accumbens is not only crucial for understanding rewards but also for potential interventions in cases like addiction where the reward circuitry is hijacked by addictive substances 2.