Cell bodies:
Ventral tegmental area, Mesencephalon (natural reward system; pathology - addiction):
Mesolimbic - involved in "positive" Sx of schizophrenia (e.g. hallucinations)??;
Mesocortical - involved in cognitive deficits and hypokinesia in Parkinson's disease and "negative" Sx of schizophrenia???
Nigro-striatal system
Originated in substantia nigra, pars compacta, and nearby ventral tegmental area and projects into striatum (regulation of the direct and indirect pathways).
Tubero-infundibular system - release dopamine → ↓ prolactin secretion from pituitary gland (lesion → galactorrhoea).
Functions:
Motivation/drive;
Activation of goal-directed behavior;
Craving;
Motor control;