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medial forebrain bundle

fasciculus longitudinalis telencephali medialis

Axons from the basal olfactory regions, the periamygdaloid region, and the septal nuclei gather into the medial forebrain bundle, which passes to the lateral hypothalamus with some fibres continuing into the tegmentum. The bundle carries both ascending and descending fibres and forms part of the mesolimbic pathway, conveying information between the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens. It is commonly accepted as part of the reward system, involved in the integration of reward and pleasure, and electrical stimulation of it is believed to cause sensations of pleasure. That conclusion rests on intracranial self-stimulation studies, in which animals will work for stimulation of the bundle and humans report the stimulation as intensely pleasurable. The nucleus accumbens is a recognised reward centre, and activation of the pathway reaching it is believed to be rewarding.

The Medial forebrain bundle (MFB), is a complex bundle of axons coming from the basal olfactory regions, the periamygdaloid region, and the septal nuclei, and passing to the lateral hypothalamus, with some carrying on into the tegmentum. It contains both ascending and descending fibers. It also represents a part of the mesolimbic pathway, carrying information between the ventral tegmentum and the nucleus accumbens. It is commonly accepted that the MFB is a part of the reward system, involved in the integration of reward and pleasure. Electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle is believed to cause sensations of pleasure. This hypothesis is based upon intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) studies. Animals will work for MFB ICSS, and humans report that MFB ICSS is intensely pleasurable. This is most likely because the medial forebrain bundle carries information from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (nAcc or Acb). The nAcc is a recognized reward center, and activation of the pathway from the VTA to the nAcc is believed to be rewarding, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the hedonic highway. [WP,unvetted].

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유형 Nerve
상위 구조물 fasciculus of brain
라틴어 명칭 fasciculus longitudinalis telencephali medialis
FMA ID 62064

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the medial forebrain bundle?

The medial forebrain bundle (MFB) is a complex bidirectional axon bundle that connects the basal forebrain regions, including basal olfactory areas, periamygdaloid regions, and septal nuclei, with the lateral hypothalamus and brainstem. It is a major component of the limbic system.

What regions are interconnected by the medial forebrain bundle?

The MFB connects the basal olfactory regions, the periamygdaloid region, and the septal nuclei rostrally with the lateral hypothalamus and mesencephalic tegmentum caudally. It is part of the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway.

What role does the medial forebrain bundle play in reward?

The medial forebrain bundle carries dopaminergic fibers from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, forming the mesolimbic reward pathway. Stimulation of the MFB produces strong rewarding effects.

What neurotransmitters are carried in the medial forebrain bundle?

The MFB contains fibers carrying dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and various neuropeptides. The dopaminergic fibers of the mesolimbic pathway are among the most studied components.

What is the clinical relevance of the medial forebrain bundle?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the medial forebrain bundle has been investigated as a treatment for severe, refractory depression. Dysfunction of the MFB is also implicated in addiction, as it mediates the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:62064 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0001910 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)

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This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.