Dopamine

Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. It is an amine synthesized by removing a carboxyl group from a molecule of its precursor chemical, L-DOPA, which is synthesized in the brain and kidneys. Dopamine is also synthesized in plants and most animals. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter—a chemical released by neurons (nerve cells) to send signals to other nerve cells. The brain includes several distinct dopa

group of neural structures responsible for positive emotions

group of neurons on the floor of the midbrain

one of the brain's dopamine pathways, often called the "reward centre"

mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens

projection neurons in the brain that synthesize and release dopamine

thumb|right|200px|class=skin-invert-image|The chemical structure of the [[neurotransmitter dopamine]]

bilateral dopaminergic pathway in the brain that connects the substantia nigra pars compacta in the midbrain with the dorsal striatum in the forebrain

dysfunction of the reward system observed in some individuals taking dopaminergic medications for an extended length of timeDDS

Dopamine pathway in the brain

type of group of cells

type of dopaminergic pathway

dopamine-releasing portion of the substantia nigra