Morphometric Analysis of the Nucleus Accumbens Using the Mulligan Staining Method

Area of Science:

• Neuroanatomy
• Neurosurgery
• Stereotactic surgery

Background:

• Growing neurosurgical interest in the nucleus accumbens (NA) necessitates detailed anatomical understanding.
• Current knowledge of NA structure is limited, hindering precise neurosurgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively describe the anatomy of the nucleus accumbens (NA).
• To determine the spatial relationships between the NA and adjacent telencephalic structures.
• To establish stereotactic coordinates for the NA to aid neurosurgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 155 nucleus accumbens (NA) specimens from coronal sections and 3 from transverse sections.
• Mulligan staining technique as modified by Barnard et al.
• Measurement of distances from the NA to adjacent structures and calculation of stereotactic coordinates.

Main Results:

• The mean radius of the NA was 6.23 ± 0.964 mm.
• Key distances were established: 8.99 ± 2.02 mm from midline (x), 27.09 ± 3.15 mm from insula, 12.95 ± 3.21 mm from putamen, 10.52 ± 2.66 mm from caudate, and 8.84 ± 2.93 mm from lateral ventricle.
• Stereotactic coordinates (x, y, z) for the NA were determined as (8, 17, -8).

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential stereotactic coordinates for the nucleus accumbens (NA).
• These findings contribute to the development of stereotactic surgical atlases.
• Improved anatomical data can enhance the precision and safety of neurosurgical interventions targeting the NA.