What function does the dorsal striatum support?

The dorsal striatum plays a crucial role in the integration of cognitive processes and voluntary motor actions. It is involved in coordinating movements based on learned actions and is a key structure in the basal ganglia, which is associated with habit formation and decision-making linked to motor tasks. This area processes information that relates to the outcome of actions in relation to motor execution, meaning it helps in linking cognitive decisions about movement to the actual motor planning and execution. This makes cognitive linkage to motor actions the primary function supported by the dorsal striatum.

In contrast, the other options pertain to functions managed by different brain structures or systems. Visual memory formation is primarily associated with the hippocampus and related medial temporal lobe structures. Emotional regulation is largely mediated by the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Sound processing is mostly handled by the auditory cortex and related areas in the temporal lobes. Hence, the correct identification of the dorsal striatum function revolves around its critical role in motor-cognitive integration.