Ventral tegmental area

The Biological and Social Factors of Human Aggression A Brief Overview of Human Aggression Human aggression is different for everyone. Some are slow to wrath, but others have a fiery temper. Does this aggressive nature come from our genes or are we molded by our surroundings? To answer this question, we must understand what classifies as “aggression.” Aggression is defined as an action that involves the show of dominance of another person or group that comes in both verbal and physical forms (Hermann

more production of dopamine (e.g. over stimulation of dopamine levels leading to euphoria/good feelings). The video explains this process as, the major reward pathways involved in the transmission of the neurotransmitter dopamine from the ventral tegmental area – the VTA - of the midbrain to the limbic system and the frontal cortex (Alila Medical Media, 2014). The text also explained this process as directly or indirectly targeting the brain’s rewards system by releasing

Our findings demonstrated that the increase in adrenal gland and the decrease in brain weight in CMS rats compared with non-stressed rats. However, there were no significant differences in the weight of other organs among the groups. Theses alteration in organ weight due to the actions of stress hormones, particularly glucocorticoids. However, stress hormones, and glucocorticoids, in particular, contribute to impairment of cognitive function and promote damage to brain structures such as the hippocampus

mystery when determining the influence of neurophysiological factors and their role in the process of addiction. There is a proposed relationship between drug addiction and the mesolimbic dopamine system, with the mesolimbic pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens considered the ‘reward centre’ of the human brain (Alcohol Rehab, 2011). A release of dopamine is necessary for ‘reward’ which is hypothesised to initiate the addiction cycle by providing positive reinforcement for

• Describe and Evaluate two theories of the formation of romantic relationships Kerckoff and Davis (1962) presented a form of relationship formation theory known as the filter model. They believed that we have three filters that are important at different times before we can enter a relationship. We start with a field of availables , those who are free for relationships and gradually narrow them down using different stages to a field of desirables, and those who we would consider as potential

Dopamine on the Brain Research Paper” Dopamine is mostly referred to as the “pleasure chemical.” Although this is true, there are many other functions and effects dopamine has on the brain. “Dopamine is produced in the dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain, the substantia nigra pars compacta, and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus” (Mandal). It is released to activate and assist the following: movement, memory, pleasure, social functions, attention, and milk production

Schizophrenia is undoubtedly one of the most common psychological disorders which according to epidemiology, affects at least 1 in 100 individuals (Kolb & Whishaw, 2011), equating to 24 million people worldwide (World Health Organisation, 2012). Research has demonstrated that symptoms of the illness usually become apparent in late adolescence or early adulthood (Bear, Connors, & Paradiso, 2007), with males typically experiencing an earlier onset in comparison to their female counterparts (Kalat

having involuntary, difficulties in initiation and control of movement and changes in muscle tone (mom book). Increased size of ventricles has been observed in MRI of a schizophrenic person. One possible explanation to enlarged ventricles could have occurred during neurodevelopment causing the illness to occur (book). However there is evidence that other diseases such as Alzheimer, have enlarged ventricles and therefore this could prove to us that the disease itself did not cause the ventricle

In this essay the dependency one acquires, as a result of the stimulation of the reward circuit is examined. Specifically, the association of drug addiction, as a result of stimulants, in response to increased levels of dopamine. I will begin by examining what defines an addiction, and what factors influence an individual to become drug dependent, as a result of abuse. I will be focusing on the reinforcing properties of the drug as well as, physical dependence, psychological dependence, social

mediate human hedonic or pleasurable experiences brain reward and reinforcement system is believed to be essential for survival of the individual and species. The system includes peptides and hormones, the DA system in the ventral tegmental area and striatum, and cortical areas that process affect, motor and cognitive information. Food affects first multiple peripheral and central mechanisms that directly and indirectly convey information to the brain’s DA reward pathway. In contrast,