There has been growing interest in the idea of broad associative cortical networks, which feature nodes (or connection hubs) that integrate and distribute information across multiple systems.109,110 These studies indicate that there are specific regions that receive inputs from multiple cortical areas that crosslink between functional systems. The above data suggest that these hubs exist in the striatum as well as the cortex. In particular, this rostral striatal region may serve as a hub for vmPFC, OFC, and dACC to connect with dorsal and lateral PFC regions that integrate motivational, reward, and cognitive control information. It is possible that this convergence of cortical areas on specific locations in the striatum may thus facilitate value computations across diverse domains into a common currency. Thus, a coordinated activation of dPFC, dACC, and/or OFC terminals in specific striatal regions would produce a unique combinatorial activation at the specific sites, suggesting specific subregions for reward-based incentive drive to impact on long-term strategic planning and habit formation. In contrast to this, some striatal regions, particularly posterior and lateral portions, receive inputs from only a few prefrontal regions, and therefore they may serve more specialized computational roles.
