Which neural pathway has been characterized as a "reward pathway," believed to be responsible for the reinforcing effects of most abused drugs

A)  hypothalamus dopamine
B)  mesolimbic dopamine 
C)  cortical
D)  medulla-pons

The mesolimbic dopamine pathway has been characterized as the "reward pathway" and is believed to be responsible for the reinforcing effects of most abused drugs. This pathway originates in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects to the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and other brain regions involved in reward and motivation. Activation of this pathway leads to the release of dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.