Final answer:
The septal area and ventral striatum are linked to the c. pleasure center, reward, and motivation, which are influenced by dopamine-producing neurons in the VTA and substantia nigra.
Step-by-step explanation:
The septal area and ventral striatum are associated with the pleasure center - reward and motivation (option c).
These brain structures play a crucial role in our experience of pleasure, motivation to seek out rewards, and the reinforcement of learning.
The ventral striatum, which includes the nucleus accumbens, is innervated by dopaminergic neurons from the ventral tegmental area (VTA).
Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens modulates aspects of reward and addiction.
Furthermore, the VTA and substantia nigra produce dopamine and are associated with movement control, mood, reward, and addiction.
The ventral striatum also receives major glutamatergic inputs from the cortex which influence dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and VTA, further integrating limbic and motor functions.