Reward Flashcards
how do rewards contribute to habit formation?
reinforces the neural circuits involved in the execution of specific actions.
When a behavior is followed by a reward, the release of dopamine in the brain reinforces the neural pathways involved in that behavior.
Over time, these pathways become stronger and more efficient, making the behavior more automatic and less dependent on conscious decision-making.
What is the acetylcholine system?
associates specific actions or behaviors with rewarding outcomes.
Acetylcholine release in reward-related brain regions, such as the nucleus accumbens, can modulate the encoding and prediction of rewards, influencing reinforcement-based decision-making.
What is serotonin from the Raphe Nuclei?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is synthesized and released by neurons originating from the Raphe nuclei in the brainstem.
Functions:
Mood Regulation: Serotonin is known to play a significant role in regulating mood, emotions, and emotional well-being.
Sleep and Wakefulness: Serotonin is involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.
Appetite and Food Intake: Serotonin is involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. It plays a role in satiety signals, and low serotonin levels have been associated with increased food cravings and overeating.
Cognitive Function: Serotonin is also implicated in various cognitive functions, including memory, learning, and decision-making.
Pain Sensation: Serotonin is involved in pain modulation and can influence the perception and processing of pain signals.
What is the substantia nigra of the midbrain?
Dopamine in the SN are involved in motor control and coordination
impairment leads to Parkinson’s
What is the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain?
Dopaminergic cells project to the frontal lobe and the
nucleus accumbens (considered part of the striatum)
Involved in the reward that reinforces behavior
The VTA is a key component of the brain’s reward system. Dopamine release from VTA neurons is associated with the experience of pleasure and reward.
It is involved in mediating the reinforcing effects of natural rewards, such as food, sex, and social interactions.
Dysfunction in the VTA’s reward circuitry is implicated in addiction and substance abuse disorders.
What are agonists?
mimic or enhance the activity of a
neurotransmitter
‣ By binding to its receptors and causing its
same effect
‣ By promoting its synthesis
‣ By causing more of it to be released
‣ By preventing its reuptake or degradation
from the synaptic cleft
Example:
Dopamine Agonists: These substances activate dopamine receptors in the brain and are used to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome. Examples of dopamine agonists include pramipexole and ropinirole.
What are antagonists?
block or reduce the activity of a
neurotransmitter
‣ By preventing its synthesis or release
‣ By binding to its receptors and blocking them
Dopamine Antagonists: These substances block dopamine receptors in the brain. They are used for various purposes, such as antipsychotic medications to treat conditions like schizophrenia. Dopamine antagonists, such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine, can help reduce the symptoms of psychosis by blocking the excessive activity of dopamine.
What is the nucleus accumbens?
The nucleus accumbens plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward circuitry and is often associated with pleasurable and reinforcing experiences.
It receives input from several brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is a major source of dopamine projections.
Reward and Pleasure: The nucleus accumbens is involved in processing rewarding stimuli and experiencing pleasure.
When a rewarding event occurs, such as eating delicious food or engaging in enjoyable activities, the nucleus accumbens is activated, and dopamine release occurs.
This activation reinforces the behavior and motivates individuals to seek similar rewarding experiences.
What is the striatum?
The striatum, particularly the nucleus accumbens, is a critical component of the brain’s reward circuitry.
It receives input from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which provides dopaminergic projections, and processes reward-related information.
The striatum plays a role in evaluating rewards, assigning value to stimuli, and mediating the reinforcing effects of pleasurable experiences.
