pathways

The __________ is associated with reward and pleasure pathways in the brain.

Medial Forebrain Bundle

The __________ plays a key role in reward and reinforcement.

Nucleus Accumbens

The __________ releases dopamine, initiating reward signaling.

Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)

The __________ is involved in emotional processing and decision-making.

Cingulate Cortex

__________ contributes to mood regulation and well-being.

Serotonin

__________ is central to pleasure and reward.

Dopamine

__________ enhances social bonding and trust.

Oxytocin

__________ provides pain relief and promotes feelings of euphoria.

Endorphins

The __________ processes emotional pain and regulates sadness.

Cingulate Cortex

The __________ plays a role in negative emotional processing.

Amygdala

The __________ is involved in the perception of emotions and bodily states.

Insula

Decreased levels of __________ are linked to sadness and depression.

Serotonin

__________ regulates arousal and mood; imbalances are linked to depression.

Norepinephrine

Reduced activity in reward pathways of __________ contributes to low motivation and anhedonia.

Dopamine

The __________ is central to processing threats and triggering fear responses.

Amygdala

The __________ regulates the stress response by releasing stress hormones.

HPA Axis

The __________ activates fight-or-flight responses.

Sympathetic Nervous System

__________ is released by the adrenal glands; prepares the body for stress.

Cortisol

__________ increases heart rate and energy availability.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

__________ enhances alertness and focus during stress.

Norepinephrine