Compartmental function and modulation of the striatum

The striatum plays a central role in guiding numerous complex behaviors, ranging from motor control to action selection and reward learning. The diverse responsibilities of the striatum are reflected by the complexity of its organization. In this review, we will summarize what is currently known about the compartmental layout of the striatum, an organizational principle that is crucial for allowing the striatum to guide such a diverse array of behaviors. We will focus on the anatomical and functional properties of striosome (patch) and matrix compartments of the striatum, and how the engagement of these compartments is uniquely controlled by their afferents, intrinsic properties, and neuromodulation. We will give examples of how advances in technology have opened the door to functionally dissecting the striatum's compartmental design, and close by offering thoughts on the future and relevance for human disease.