The hypothalamus also has connections to the cortex via the striatum and the nucleus accumbens, a structure that secretes its own dopamine and opioids in response to food (see graphic).

FORBES: Food on the Brain

Offers of cash caused a surge of dopamine in a tiny piece of neural machinery called the nucleus accumbens--a structure as ancient as backbones that plays a key role in addiction.

FORBES: This Is Your Brain On Money