Fig. 5. Behavioural tests to probe associative striatal function.

a The neurocircuitry involved in goal-directed action can be split into three primary circuits. The associative system (red), including the PFC and ACC, is required for the acquisition and expression of goal-directed action, which is sensitive to outcome devaluation. In contrast, the limbic system (green) is critical for the formation of associations between reward predictive stimuli and action. Habitual behaviours rely on the sensorimotor system (purple). b Behavioural flexibility involves OFC and PFC inputs to the associative striatum. The OFC is critical for reversal learning whereas the PFC is required when shifting to new rules or strategies. The associative striatum is the only common region required for goal-directed action that is sensitive to outcome devaluation and serial reversal learning. OFC orbitofrontal cortex, PFC prefrontal cortex, ACC anterior cingulate cortex, vm ventromedial, m medial, dl dorsolateral, lat lateral