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…
The sense of touch is controlled by the somatosensory cortex located in a region of the parietal lobe known as the post-central gyrus that is found on the middle top of the brain. In addition to its role in controlling touch, the somatosensory cortex is also involved in sensing temperature, pain, and body position and…
Neurotransmitters are messengers that transmit specific chemical instructions from a neuron to another neuron and from neurons to tissues and organs. The 7 major neurotransmitters are: Neurotransmitters are produced by neurons and released in gaps that are found between neurons and between neurons and organs. These junctions are known as synapses. When neurotransmitters are released…
