The cortico-basal ganglia reward network is a complex system involving the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and other brain regions. The NAc, part of the ventral striatal complex, integrates cortical and limbic inputs to regulate goal-directed behavior. It receives excitatory inputs from the prefrontal cortex (PFC), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral subiculum (vSub), and inhibitory inputs from the ventral pallidum (VP) and other structures. Dopamine (DA) neurons in the VTA modulate these inputs, influencing reward-related behaviors. The NAc is divided into core and shell regions, with the shell more involved in drug reward. The VTA projects to the NAc and other areas, with DA neurons playing a key role in reward processing. The NAc and VTA are interconnected through complex circuits that regulate behavior, with DA modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. The balance of these inputs is crucial for adaptive behaviors, and disruptions can lead to addiction or psychiatric disorders. The VTA contains DA and GABA neurons, with non-DA neurons also projecting to various brain regions. The efferents of the VTA and SNc project to multiple forebrain areas, including the striatum, pallidum, and thalamus. The VTA's projections are topographically organized, with different subdivisions targeting distinct regions. The interaction between the NAc and VTA is essential for reward learning and behavior, with DA modulating the balance of inputs and facilitating goal-directed actions. The network's complexity highlights the importance of understanding its microcircuitry for developing treatments for reward-related disorders.The cortico-basal ganglia reward network is a complex system involving the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and other brain regions. The NAc, part of the ventral striatal complex, integrates cortical and limbic inputs to regulate goal-directed behavior. It receives excitatory inputs from the prefrontal cortex (PFC), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral subiculum (vSub), and inhibitory inputs from the ventral pallidum (VP) and other structures. Dopamine (DA) neurons in the VTA modulate these inputs, influencing reward-related behaviors. The NAc is divided into core and shell regions, with the shell more involved in drug reward. The VTA projects to the NAc and other areas, with DA neurons playing a key role in reward processing. The NAc and VTA are interconnected through complex circuits that regulate behavior, with DA modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. The balance of these inputs is crucial for adaptive behaviors, and disruptions can lead to addiction or psychiatric disorders. The VTA contains DA and GABA neurons, with non-DA neurons also projecting to various brain regions. The efferents of the VTA and SNc project to multiple forebrain areas, including the striatum, pallidum, and thalamus. The VTA's projections are topographically organized, with different subdivisions targeting distinct regions. The interaction between the NAc and VTA is essential for reward learning and behavior, with DA modulating the balance of inputs and facilitating goal-directed actions. The network's complexity highlights the importance of understanding its microcircuitry for developing treatments for reward-related disorders.