Final answer:
Olds and Milner located the reward centers in the brain within the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is connected to the limbic system, playing a significant role in emotional response and homeostasis, and directly interacts with structures like the amygdala.
Step-by-step explanation:
Olds and Milner found that the reward centers of the brain are located in the structure known as the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is also part of the limbic system, which includes other structures like the amygdala and hippocampus, and it is connected to various functions related to emotions, stress response, and homeostasis.
The amygdala, located in the medial region of the temporal lobe, plays a crucial role in processing emotions such as fear and anxiety. It has connections with the hypothalamus and is involved in the fight-or-flight response as well as in emotional memories.
Thus, the correct answer to the question is a. hypothalamus. The limbic lobe, including structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and cingulate gyrus, interacts closely with the hypothalamus, regulating emotions and bodily functions in response to emotional states.