Head of caudate nucleus

The head of caudate nucleus is the large, rounded anterior portion of the caudate nucleus. It lies deep within the frontal part of the cerebral hemisphere and forms a prominent part of the floor and the lateral wall of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle. Posteriorly, it gradually narrows and continues as the body of the caudate nucleus.

Neuronal connection and functional correlates

The head is closely associated with the frontal and prefrontal cortices through corticostriatal connections. As part of the striatum, it participates in basal ganglia circuits involved in planning and selection of behaviour and movement. Its strong prefrontal connections are particularly important for higher functions such as working memory, executive function, learning from feedback and goal-directed behaviour.

Relationship with nucleus accumbens

Ventrally, the caudate and putamen become increasingly continuous through ventral striatal grey matter, in the region associated with the nucleus accumbens.