Midbrain structure made up of A10 dopamine cells, largest concentration in the brain (like SN). Sends axonal projections to NAc and PFC
Nucleus accumbens
Major pathway in which reward is processed in the brain, gets signals from VTA through mesolimbic pathway
Mesolimbic pathway
Sends DA from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens to have reward get processed
Mesocortical pathway
Sends DA from the ventral tegmental area to the prefrontal cortex
Prefrontal cortex
Part of the brain that makes reasoned decisions. Poor imbalance of dopamine (mesocortical pathway) leads to worsened decision making, which is why addicts make such bad choices
Lateral habenula (LHb)
Anti-reward pathway that releases more GABA onto the VTA so our dopamine levels go down when presented with aversive stimuli
