Ventral tegmental area

Your brain organizes your memories in your sleep thanks to some incredible neuroscience.

Locations of the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area in the midbrain

cross-section diagram of the brain

Reward Circuit

Major dopamine pathways. As part of the reward pathway, dopamine is manufactured in nerve cell bodies located within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and is released in the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. The motor functions of dopamine are linked to a separate pathway, with cell bodies in the substantia nigra that manufacture and release dopamine into the dorsal striatum.

Researchers shed light on the mechanisms behind the anxiolytic CRH circuit in the ventral tegmental area of the brain.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Nawal Mustafa on Instagram: "Which one of these speaks to you the most today? Did you know reading positive/ uplifting reminders can activate the brain’s reward circuitry, including areas like the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, leading to feelings of pleasure and motivation. Plus, regular exposure to positive reminders can contribute to the development of resilience, making us more adept at coping with stress and adversity. Though, the duration of the effects of these…

Alcohol crosses the blood-brain barrier and interacts with a range of neurotransmitters and hormones leading to dependence and structural brain involvement.

Activity in the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) due to satisfaction from LOVE