The dorsal striatum plays a crucial role in decision-making, particularly in action selection and initiation. Recent studies across species, including rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans, have highlighted its involvement in integrating sensorimotor, cognitive, and motivational/emotional information through specific corticostriatal circuits. In rodents, the dorsal striatum is essential for goal-directed actions, while the dorsolateral striatum mediates stimulus-bound, habitual actions. In nonhuman primates, the dorsal striatum is involved in learning new motor sequences and adapting to changing reward outcomes. Human neuroimaging studies show increased activity in the dorsal striatum during anticipation of rewards and during social interactions, suggesting its role in complex social behaviors. The dorsal striatum's function is supported by computational theories of reinforcement learning and broader corticobasal ganglia systems. However, questions remain about the anatomical and functional similarities across species, the role of dopamine in learning, and the storage of motor memories.The dorsal striatum plays a crucial role in decision-making, particularly in action selection and initiation. Recent studies across species, including rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans, have highlighted its involvement in integrating sensorimotor, cognitive, and motivational/emotional information through specific corticostriatal circuits. In rodents, the dorsal striatum is essential for goal-directed actions, while the dorsolateral striatum mediates stimulus-bound, habitual actions. In nonhuman primates, the dorsal striatum is involved in learning new motor sequences and adapting to changing reward outcomes. Human neuroimaging studies show increased activity in the dorsal striatum during anticipation of rewards and during social interactions, suggesting its role in complex social behaviors. The dorsal striatum's function is supported by computational theories of reinforcement learning and broader corticobasal ganglia systems. However, questions remain about the anatomical and functional similarities across species, the role of dopamine in learning, and the storage of motor memories.