The limbic system is an important part of the brain. It helps control our emotions and the way we feel motivated. Some main parts of the limbic system that help with rewards are the amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens.

1. Main Parts:

   • Amygdala: This part helps us handle emotions, especially fear and joy. It also helps us remember emotional experiences. Studies show that when the amygdala is very active, people may be more likely to seek out rewards.
   • Nucleus Accumbens (NAc): This part is at the center of our reward system. It helps us process things that make us happy and is largely influenced by dopamine, a chemical in the brain. When the NAc is active, it releases dopamine, which makes us feel good.
   • Hippocampus: This part helps us create memories and connect our feelings to past events. It helps us remember what made us feel rewarded before.

2. Dopamine Pathways:

   • Dopamine is the main chemical involved in feeling rewarded. The mesolimbic pathway connects two important areas in the brain: the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the NAc. This pathway is key for learning about rewards and strengthening our motivations.
   • In people who are healthy, about 80% of the pleasure from rewards comes from the release of dopamine in these areas.

3. Predicting Rewards:

   • The limbic system uses something called predictive coding. This means our brain tries to guess when we will get a reward based on what has happened before. Sometimes, what we expect and what we actually get don’t match up, and this can change how we act in the future.
   • Models show that about 70% of the times we go for rewards, it’s because of these predictions in the limbic system.

4. How Emotions Affect Rewards:

   • Our feelings can greatly change how sensitive we are to rewards. For example, a person with depression may feel less excited about rewards—about 50% less. This can happen because the limbic system is not working as well.
   • Research shows that negative feelings can slow down the activities of the reward system, which can then change how we make choices and feel motivated.

In short, the limbic system helps manage our brain’s reward pathways through various parts working together. This in turn affects how we behave and feel about rewards. Understanding how this works is important for treating problems related to rewards, like addiction and mood issues.