VTA Neurons
The axons of the VTA neurons project out synthesized dopamine to modulate the activity of the prefrontal cortex, septum, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala. All of them play an important role in what is called the reward circuit.
The punishment and the reward circuits were one of the first to evolve. Parts of it use neurotransmitters, like GABA, serotonin, endorphins to reinforce certain behaviors.
The VTA’s connections to the prefrontal cortex show how the most primitive parts of the brain have a major influence on our behaviors. The neocortex has the embarrassing task of having to justify our behavior in words!
After the pre-frontal cortex has received and processed a sensory stimulus that indicates a reward (pleasure), it sends a signal about this reward to a particular part of the midbrain. This part then stimulates the nucleus accumbens which then activates the individual’s motor functions.
