This chapter provides an overview of the neuroanatomy and connectivity of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its projections. The VTA, located in the midbrain, consists of heterogeneous groups of cells that are closely associated with the substantia nigra (A9). The chapter discusses the historical development of understanding the VTA, including early descriptions by Tsai and others, and the challenges in defining its borders. It highlights the presence of dopamine (DA) containing neurons in the VTA, which have been a focus of extensive research due to their significance in various brain functions. The connectivity of the VTA is explored through its intrinsic and effector connections. Intrinsic connections within the VTA involve dendrodendritic and axon-axonic synapses, while effector connections extend to various regions of the brain, including the mesostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesocortical pathways. The chapter also discusses the phylogenetic representation of DA systems, the types of activity observed in VTA neurons, and the potential pitfalls of experimental lesion damage. The VTA projects to a wide range of structures, including the neostriatum, limbic system, neocortex, and mid- and hindbrain regions. The chapter emphasizes the importance of these projections in regulating behavior and cognitive functions. It concludes with a discussion on the functional significance of VTA activity and its role in integrating information in the central nervous system.This chapter provides an overview of the neuroanatomy and connectivity of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its projections. The VTA, located in the midbrain, consists of heterogeneous groups of cells that are closely associated with the substantia nigra (A9). The chapter discusses the historical development of understanding the VTA, including early descriptions by Tsai and others, and the challenges in defining its borders. It highlights the presence of dopamine (DA) containing neurons in the VTA, which have been a focus of extensive research due to their significance in various brain functions. The connectivity of the VTA is explored through its intrinsic and effector connections. Intrinsic connections within the VTA involve dendrodendritic and axon-axonic synapses, while effector connections extend to various regions of the brain, including the mesostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesocortical pathways. The chapter also discusses the phylogenetic representation of DA systems, the types of activity observed in VTA neurons, and the potential pitfalls of experimental lesion damage. The VTA projects to a wide range of structures, including the neostriatum, limbic system, neocortex, and mid- and hindbrain regions. The chapter emphasizes the importance of these projections in regulating behavior and cognitive functions. It concludes with a discussion on the functional significance of VTA activity and its role in integrating information in the central nervous system.