neostriatum
NEE-oh-STRY-uh-tum
Definition
A subcortical region of the brain, specifically the dorsal part of the striatum, which is involved in motor control and the regulation of behavioral output.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'neo' meaning 'new' and the Latin 'striatus' meaning 'furrowed or striped,' referring to the anatomical appearance of the brain region consisting of striped nervous tissue.
In the news
The article notes that researchers destroyed dopamine in this area, alongside the nucleus accumbens, to observe how the loss affected the rats' behavior regarding food rewards.
When scientists disrupted dopamine in hungry rats, the animals still showed pleasure when sweet food was placed in their mouths — they just lost the drive to work for it, suggesting dopamine governs wanting more than enjoyment
Read the full article ↗Space Daily