Author Question: Explain the role of the basal ganglia in forming healthy (or unhealthy) ... (Read 87 times)

jlmhmf · **on:** Aug 6, 2018

Explain the role of the basal ganglia in forming healthy (or unhealthy) habits.

Question 2

There is no upper limit to the size or strength an individual can gain through weight training.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

cegalasso · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 6, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The brain area in which habits are formed is the basal ganglia. More specifically, the striatum, a large nucleus within the basal ganglia that is able to communicate with the forebrain (decision-making area) and the midbrain (motor control), plays a major role in habit formation. Intense, rewarding, exciting, or pleasurable events activate the striatum and it then memorizes these pleasurable or rewarding events in an effort to help the person find opportunities to repeat these events. The striatum of the basal ganglia also contains large amounts of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which is released upon a rewarding or pleasurable cue. As such, it plays a role in habit formation and can cause a behavior to become a conditioned response.

Answer to Question 2

F