Explain how reward pathways can influence behavior, including the roles of dopamine and the nucleus accumbens.

### What a good answer covers - Explain that reward reinforces actions associated with positive outcomes. - Identify dopamine as associated with pleasure and motivation and released in response to rewards. - Identify the nucleus accumbens as a reward-system component associated with pleasure and goal-directed behavior. - Connect reward to motivation to repeat behaviors. ### The concept A reward system helps regulate behavior by making actions that lead to pleasure more likely to be repeated. The mesolimbic pathway connects the ventral tegmental area with the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Endogenous opioids contribute to pleasure and well-being as well as pain relief, while dopamine is highlighted for reward and motivation. ### Terms - **Nucleus accumbens**: A reward-system component associated with pleasure and motivation. - **Mesolimbic pathway**: A neural pathway associated with reward and motivation. - **Endogenous opioids**: Naturally produced chemicals contributing to pain relief and pleasure. ### Remember Reward is a circuit-level process that links outcomes with motivation and repeated behavior.