The Tail of the Striatum: From Anatomy to Connectivity and Function

Despite the striatum’s large extension along rostro-caudal brain axis, current knowledge on functions of striatum rely mostly its rostral sectors. Emerging evidence reveals a peculiar anatomo-functional organization tail (TS). The TS, characterized by specific corticostriatal, thalamostriatal, and nigrostriatal converging projections, represents key sensory-related striatal area. According to spatial distribution cell-type-specific neuronal populations inputs connectivity, distinct TS domains can be distinguished across various mammalian species. Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) expressing dopamine D1 D2 receptors (D1R D2R) in show unique spatio-molecular heterogeneity, are highly reactive dopamine-evoked stimuli. Understanding may lead more comprehensive view heterogeneity physiology pathology. dorsal striatum, largest subcortical structure basal ganglia, is critical controlling motor, procedural, reinforcement-based behaviors. Although mammals extends widely derived theories about largely results obtained from studies sectors, leading potentially oversimplified working models as whole. Recent findings indicate that extreme caudal part also referred (TS), an additional functional domain. Here, we provide overview past recent revealing displays heterogeneous organization, input–output which poises integrator sensory processing.