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Nucleus Accumbens

Meaning

A critical structure located in the forebrain, recognized as a primary component of the brain’s reward and pleasure pathway, the mesolimbic dopamine system. This nucleus plays a central role in motivation, reinforcement learning, and the processing of rewarding stimuli, influencing behaviors related to food, sex, and social interaction. Its function is intimately linked to the regulation of mood and the development of addictive behaviors.