striatum

Definition

A subcortical part of the brain's forebrain that is highly involved in motor control, reward processing, and the formation and maintenance of habits.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'striatus,' meaning 'striped' or 'furrowed,' because the region appears to have a striped appearance when viewed in cross-section due to the interweaving of gray and white matter.

In the news

In this article, the striatum is identified as a brain region involved in anorexia nervosa that contributes to inflexible, habit-like restrictive eating patterns, contrasting with the more flexible processing of the hippocampus.

Food decisions in anorexia engage brain region tied to inflexible habits, study finds

Medical Xpress

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