The VTA projects dopaminergic neurons to several key areas of the brain, forming a part of the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways. In the mesolimbic pathway, the VTA sends projections to the nucleus accumbens, which is crucial for the experience of pleasure and reward. In the mesocortical pathway, the VTA projects to the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making and planning. The VTA also connects to the amygdala and the hippocampus, which are involved in emotional processing and memory formation, respectively.
