The brain reward system or mesocorticolimbic circuit is a brain circuit that controls addictive behaviors, mood, feeding behaviors, positive emotions (e.g., pleasure), and learning [1]. 1. What Activates the Reward System? The reward system is activated every time we experience something rewarding. For instance, the reward system is triggered when eating something we really enjoy…
There are several parts of the brain where memories are stored depending on the type of memories: Explicit Memories are long-term memories that are stored in the following brain structures: Implicit Memories are long-term memories that are stored in the following brain structures: Working Memory and short-term memory are stored in the following brain structure:…
Odorous substances in the air are processed through the following steps: 1. What Part of the Brain Is Most Responsible for Smell? There are several and important parts of the brain that are responsible for smell; however, the olfactory bulb is responsible for transmitting the olfactory (smell) information from the olfactory nerves to the brain…
Fear is a primitive human emotion that is caused by specific threat-related stimuli leading to adaptive behaviors aimed at preventing or coping with that threat. The central organ that controls and regulates fear is the amygdala, an almond chapped structure located deep within the brain’s temporal lobes. What Is the Function of the Amygdala in…
Following the fecundation of an egg by a sperm, the fertilized egg begins a series of cell divisions that leads to the formation of a mass of cells known as the blastula. This mass contains two types of cell masses, the trophoblast, and the inner cell mass. The trophoblast leads to the formation of the…
Short-term memory (STM) is the ability of the mind to consciously store, maintain, and manipulate phonological (speech sound), spatial, and visual information for limited periods of time. Therefore, STM contributes to the learning of new information and aspects of speech comprehension and production. However, STM loss is observed during aging (after 55 years of age)…
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as aging-related neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries result in severe cognitive deficits that are associated with atrophy of the hippocampus, a brain structure involved in short-term and long-term memories, and in the processing of spatial memory that controls navigation [1]. Exercise and physical activity have been shown to reduce or slow down these cognitive…
The hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with the accumulation of “senile” plaques that are composed of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein that surround neurons in affected regions. This accumulation results in loss of neurons in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, leading to progressive cognitive decline such as memory defects. A connection between the brain and…
