The substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area are mesencephalic nuclei of the
A) lateral forebrain bundle.
B) nigrostriatal pathway.
C) mesocortical limbs.
D) mesotelencephalic dopamine system.
E) mesotelencephalic serotonin system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area are both part of the mesotelencephalic dopamine system, which is involved in reward processing, addiction, and movement control. This system includes the projection of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra to the striatum (nigrostriatal pathway) and the projection of dopaminergic neurons from the ventral tegmental area to the prefrontal cortex and limbic system (mesocortical and mesolimbic pathways).

The Substantia Nigra and the Ventral Tegmental Area Are Mesencephalic