Neurotransmitters

Adrenaline

Produced in stressful situations. Increases heart rate and blood flow leading to physical boost and heightened awareness.

Gaba

Calming firing nerves in the central nervous system. High levels improve focus and low levels cause anxiety.

Noradrenaline

Affects attention and responding actions in the brain. Contracts blood vessels increasing blood flow.

Acetylcholine

Involved in thought, learning, and memory. Activates muscle action in the body.

Dopamine

Feelings of pleasure, also addiction, movement, and motivation.

Glutamate

Most common neurotransmitter and is involved in learning and memory.

Serotonin

Contributes to well-being and happiness, helps sleep cycle, and digestive system regulation.

Endorphins

Released during exercise, excitement, and sex produce well-being and euphoria.

Second messenger

A chemical that initiates communication to many areas within the neuron when activated by a neurotransmitter.

How do Metabotropic receptors work?

When a neurotransmitter binds, it activates the G protein to either open a neighboring ion channel or invite a second messenger.

Most excitatory ionotropic synapses use which neurotransmitter?

Glutamate.

How Ionotropic receptor work

When a neurotransmitter binds to the receptor, it opens up allowing for one type of ion to pass through.

How do we synthesize neurotransmitters?

Our neurons create these neurotransmitters and other chemicals through the foods that we eat.

Neurotransmitter

Act quickly and locally to send specific signals between neurons at synapses.

Neuromodulators

Modulate the activity of neurons and neural circuits over time periods and across wider regions of the brain.

In order for a molecule to be classified as a neurotransmitter it must: (1)

Chemicals produced within a neuron.

In order for a molecule to be classified as a neurotransmitter it must: (2)

Released by a neuron following depolarization from the presynaptic neuron.

In order for a molecule to be classified as a neurotransmitter it must: (3)

Exogenous administration mimics endogenous release.

In order for a molecule to be classified as a neurotransmitter it must: (4)

Does not remain in the postsynaptic cleft for a long period.