G.P. Zank, J. Lu, H. Mueller, W.K.M. Rice, and J.A. le Roux
Bartol Research Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA

At a schematic level, the relationship between interstellar neutral atoms, pickup ions and anomalous cosmic rays (ACRs) seems clear. Unfortunately, our detailed understanding of the connections remains far less clear. We will describe briefly the distribution of interstellar neutrals throughout the heliosphere and the expected distribution of various pickup ion species. The transport of pickup ions will be also discussed. This will serve to introduce the question of how pickup ions are injected into the acceleration process thought to be responsible for the energization of the ACR component. Competing approaches will be discussed critically and the observational consequences compared.