In the mesolimbic reward pathway, dopaminergic neurons originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) project primarily to the _____, a subcortical structure located in the ventral striatum.

### Why this is right The nucleus accumbens is identified as a key component of the reward system and associated with pleasure, motivation, and goal-directed behavior. ### The concept Reward circuits reinforce behavior by connecting rewarding outcomes with future motivation. The nucleus accumbens is one component of this system. The mesolimbic pathway connects the ventral tegmental area with the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. ### Terms - **Nucleus accumbens**: A reward-system component associated with pleasure and motivation. - **Goal-directed behavior**: Behavior organized around achieving an outcome. - **Mesolimbic pathway**: A reward-related pathway connecting the ventral tegmental area with several brain regions. ### Remember The nucleus accumbens is the reward-system region most directly linked here with pleasure and motivation.