Nucleus accumbens 🧠

The nucleus accumbens is an area in the brain involved in the cognitive processing of craving, reward, and operant conditioning, hence it also plays a significant role in addiction. The motivation for reward is experienced when the dopamine from the ventral tegmental area reaches the nucleus accumbens. The nucleus accumbens is also a “learning” pathway—learning what feels good. Upon consummation, those neurons then release opioid peptides, which generate the feeling of pleasure or bliss.

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References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleus_accumbens

• Lustig, H., Robert. (2017). The Hacking of the American Mind The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains Chapter 2. Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places (Location 430). New York, NY: Penguin Random House.

• Mate, Gabor. (2010). In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts Close Encounters with Addiction Chapter 15. Cocaine, Dopamine, and Candy Bars The Incentive System in Addiction (p. 204). Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

• Hanson, Rick. (2009). Buddha’s Brain The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom Chapter 2.The Evolution of Suffering (p. 42). New Harbinger Publications: Oakland, CA.

Metadata

Type:🔵 Tags: Biology / Anatomy / Neuroscience / Neuroanatomy Status:☀️