8) Nucleus Accumbens - our pleasure system
The key regions in our pleasure system are the nucleus accumbens and centers linked to it.
The key regions in our pleasure system are the nucleus accumbens and centers linked to it.
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NAc - nucleus accumbens BLA - amygdala VTA - ventral tegmental area mPFC - medial prefrontal cortex |
In the diagram above, w/the head facing to the left,
The mPFC and the hippocampus region are part of the default mode network, core elements of the "selfing" network.
As you can see in the diagram, these centers all "talk" to the NAc.
Source: Do drugs, sex, competition and meditation use the same "pleasure" system?
- NAc is the nucleus accumbens.
- The hippocampus is the memory center;
- The amygdala (BLA) is "processing central" for emotional reactions and memory.
- The VTA, ventral tegmental area, is where the cells originate that are sent to the NAc to produce dopamine.
- The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC ) is for planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, moderating social behavior and decision making.
The mPFC and the hippocampus region are part of the default mode network, core elements of the "selfing" network.
As you can see in the diagram, these centers all "talk" to the NAc.
Source: Do drugs, sex, competition and meditation use the same "pleasure" system?