Mesolimbic pathway

Mesolimbic pathway 🧠

The mesolimbic pathway is a part of the limbic system and is made up of neurons that synthesize the neurotransmitter dopamine in a primitive nucleus in the midbrain known as the ventral tegmental area. When neurons in the ventral tegmental area fire, they send their dopamine to another brain area called the nucleus accumbens to generate the feelings of motivation that attend reward. It also facilitates operant conditioning. A trigger associated with a previously pleasurable experience triggers a surge of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and incites consummatory behavior.