Ap Psychology Neurotransmitters

neurotransmitters detailed info

Neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitter

Special brain chemicals that
1) Carry an electrical charge across the synapse
2) Made only in the neurons
3) Responsible for movement, thinking, and emotions
4) Recycled through re-uptake
5) Very PRECIOUS and RARE
6) Made from nutrients in the bloodstream
7) Each has a pathway to the brain

Acetylcholine (ach)

- enables muscle action (movement) and is used by different neurons.
- Learning and memory
- Found in the connection between motor neurons and muscle fibers

MALFUNCTION: Alz--producing neurons deteriorate

Dopamine

-voluntary movement, learning, attention, emotion


MALFUNCTION
- Too little: can cause shakiness throughout the body, tremors, and decreased mobility--Parkinson's

-Too much--hallucinations--Schizophrenia

Serotonin

-Mood, hunger, sleep, dreaming, arousal, pain, aggression, sexual behavior, emotional state,

-Too little: depression (prozac too boost these levels)

Norepinphrine

-autonomic nervous system: sleep and heart rate
- Sexual responsiveness
-control alertness
-arousal
-learning and memory

Malfuction
- too little; depressed moods, anxiety, high blood pressure

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Major INHIBITORY neurotransmitter

-inhibitory--slows down system, linked to insomnia seizures, anxiety

Malfunction
-Too little: seizures, tremors, anxiety

Glutamate

-Major Excitatory Neurotransmitter
-Memory

Too much=overstimulates brain producing migraines/seizures

Endorphins

pleasurable sensations/control of pain lowered levels resulting from opiate addiction