Question

Question 18 The reward pathway/system: O A. Is characterized by an increase in extracellular dopamine levels in the VTA when drugs are taken O B. Implicates dopamine signaling mediated by glutamate and GABA inputs O C. Goes from cell bodies in the frontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens to the VTA D. Is only activated by drugs of abuse

Answer 1

The reward pathway/system: C

A. Is characterized by an increase in extracellular dopamine levels in the VTA when drugs are taken

B. Implicates dopamine signaling mediated by glumate and GABA inputs

C. Goes from cell bodies in the frontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens to the VTA

D. Is only activated by drugs of abuse

One pathway important to understanding the effects of drugs on the brain is called the reward pathway. The reward pathway involves several parts of the brain, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the nucleus accumbens, and the prefrontal cortex. When activated by a rewarding stimulus (e.g., food, water, sex), information travels from the VTA to the nucleus accumbens and then up to the prefrontal cortex. The reward pathway begins in the center of the brain in a region called the ventral tegmental area. Here, special neurons release the neurotransmitterChemicals that cross some synapses and carry a signal to the... dopamine, which gives you a jolt of pleasure and makes you feel good. In order to make sure you repeat this behavior in the future, the reward pathway is connected to areas of the brain that control memory and behavior.