Human Health and Disease : Addiction & Reward
Pathway
1. (NEET 2020, PYQ)
Q: Which neurotransmitter is most directly involved in the brain’s reward pathway during
drug addiction?
A: Dopamine
Explanation: Dopamine from the VTA to the nucleus accumbens produces pleasure and
reinforces the behavior.
2. (AIIMS 2018, PYQ)
Q: In drug addiction, the ventral tegmental area (VTA) sends signals to which brain structure
to produce a feeling of pleasure?
A: Nucleus accumbens
Explanation: The nucleus accumbens receives dopamine and produces intense pleasure.
3. (NEET 2019, PYQ)
Q: Which part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and storing the memory of
pleasurable experiences?
A: Prefrontal cortex
Explanation: Helps in decision-making and recalls drug-linked cues, triggering cravings.
4. (NEET 2021, PYQ)
Q: Which receptors are reduced in number during drug tolerance?
A: Dopamine receptors
Explanation: Fewer receptors require higher drug doses for the same effect.
5. (AIIMS 2017, PYQ)
Q: Which brain structures associate drug use with emotional and contextual memories?
A: Amygdala and hippocampus
Explanation: Amygdala links emotions; hippocampus links memories with drug use.
6. (NEET Mock 2022)
Q: Which pathway is called the mesolimbic dopamine pathway?
A: VTA → Nucleus accumbens → Prefrontal cortex
Explanation: This is the key reward pathway in addiction.
7. (NEET 2016, PYQ)
Q: Which of the following is NOT a part of the brain’s reward circuit?
a) VTA
b) Nucleus accumbens
c) Prefrontal cortex
d) Medulla oblongata
A: Medulla oblongata
Explanation: Medulla controls basic functions like breathing.
8. (AIIMS Mock 2021)
Q: Addiction leads to ________ dopamine levels when the drug is absent.
A: Abnormally low
Explanation: Dopamine production falls below normal, causing withdrawal symptoms.
9. (NEET 2023)
Q: Which lobe of the brain houses the prefrontal cortex?
A: Frontal lobe
Explanation: Important for planning, impulse control, and decision-making.
10. (NEET 2018, PYQ)
Q: The reward pathway is a part of which brain system?
A: Limbic system
Explanation: Limbic system controls emotions and motivation.
11. (Model)
Q: Which neurotransmitter is released in excess by cocaine?
A: Dopamine
Explanation: Cocaine blocks dopamine reuptake, increasing its level.
12. (Model)
Q: Which brain region initiates the reward pathway signal?
A: Ventral tegmental area (VTA)
Explanation: VTA releases dopamine to other brain areas.
13. (Model)
Q: Which structure in the reward circuit is most linked with pleasure sensation?
A: Nucleus accumbens
Explanation: It produces the “feel good” sensation.
14. (Model)
Q: In heroin addiction, the drug mimics which natural neurotransmitter?
A: Endorphins
Explanation: Heroin binds to opioid receptors like natural endorphins.
15. (Model)
Q: Which organ suffers cirrhosis in chronic alcohol abuse?
A: Liver
Explanation: Alcohol damages liver cells, causing scar tissue.
16. (Model)
Q: Name the process where the brain requires more drug to achieve the same effect.
A: Tolerance
Explanation: Caused by reduced receptor numbers or sensitivity.
17. (Model)
Q: Which brain structure is crucial for learning addiction-related cues?
A: Hippocampus
Explanation: Stores contextual memory related to drug use.
18. (Model)
Q: Which part of the brain links drug effects to emotional responses?
A: Amygdala
Explanation: Emotional reinforcement strengthens addiction.
19. (Model)
Q: Which addictive substance is obtained from Papaver somniferum?
A: Morphine
Explanation: Morphine is a natural opiate from opium poppy.
20. (Model)
Q: Nicotine acts on which receptors?
A: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Explanation: Found in brain and neuromuscular junctions.
21. (Model)
Q: LSD primarily affects which neurotransmitter system?
A: Serotonin
Explanation: LSD binds to serotonin receptors, altering perception.
22. (Model)
Q: Which part of the brain is most affected by alcohol first?
A: Cerebellum
Explanation: Alcohol impairs balance and coordination early.
23. (Model)
Q: Withdrawal symptoms occur due to imbalance of which molecules?
A: Neurotransmitters
Explanation: Sudden absence of drug disrupts brain chemistry.
24. (Model)
Q: Which Indian law controls narcotic drug use?
A: NDPS Act (1985)
Explanation: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
25. (Model)
Q: Reward pathway overactivation by drugs leads to what long-term change in the brain?
A: Neuroplasticity changes favoring drug-seeking
Explanation: The brain rewires itself to prioritize drug rewards.
Source: Compiled from NCERT Class 12 Biology – Human Health and Disease and past
NEET/AIIMS memory-based papers (MTG NEET Biology & AIIMS Explorer question
banks:Karnataka Associated)
Translated from Kannada to English
