Nucleus Accumbens and VT Area

What is the main structure of the reward system?

Nucleus Accumbens and VTA

What does the Nucleus Accumbens do?

• reinforces behaviours leading to rewards

• becomes less sensitive to natural rewards in addiction, increasing the need for stronger stimulation

What does the VTA do?

• the main source of dopaminergic neurons

• initiates the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways responsible for reward and motivation

When does the VTA activate?

• in response to anticipated rewards and motivates action

What is the mesolimbic pathway?

• connects the VTA with the Nucleus Accumbens

• critical for experiencing pleasure

What is the mesocortical pathway?

• links the VTA to the prefrontal cortex

• essential for cognitive control and decision-making

Prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, VTA, striatum, substantia nigra, hippocampus

What is the substantia nigra?

• involved in motor control, reward, and behavior regulation.

What is the Thalamus?

• processes sensory information to the cerebral cortex and plays a role in regulating sleep