Anatomy
The following structures are considered to be a part of the mesolimbic pathway:
- Ventral Tegmental Area
- The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a part of the midbrain. It consists of dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons. The VTA communicates with the nucleus accumbens via the medial forebrain bundle.
- Nucleus Accumbens
- The nucleus accumbens is found in the ventral striatum and is composed of medium spiny neurons. It is subdivided into limbic and motor subregions known as the shell and core. The medium spiny neurons receive input from both the dopaminergic neurons of the VTA and the glutamatergic neurons of the hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex. When they are activated by these inputs, the medium spiny neurons' projections release GABA onto the ventral pallidum. The release of dopamine in this structure drives the mesolimbic system.
- Amygdala
- The amygdala is a large nuclear mass in the temporal lobe anterior to the hippocampus. It has been associated with the assignment of emotions, especially fear and anxiety. There are two, one in each temporal lobe, and their functions may be lateralized.
- Hippocampus
- The hippocampus is located in the medial portion of the temporal lobe. It is known for its association with double memory (i.e., both procedural and declarative memory).
- Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis
Read more about this topic: Mesolimbic Pathway
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