4 neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitter

Biochemicals found in the brain that transmit messages from neuron to neuron.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter crucial for reward, motivation, movement, and mood regulation.

Excitatory Potential

Increases the likelihood of a neuron firing, often associated with enhancing activity.

Inhibitory Potential

Decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing, often associated with suppressing activity.

Serotonin

Primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates mood, anxiety, and is linked to depression.

Tryptophan

An essential amino acid required for the synthesis of serotonin.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability and controls anxiety.

Agonist

A substance that enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or inhibits the action of neurotransmitters.

Glutamate

The brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, important for learning and memory.

Action Potential

A rapid and transient electrical signal that travels along the membrane of a neuron.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response, increasing heart rate and alertness.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Promotes 'rest and digest' activities, reducing heart rate and stimulating digestion.

Addiction

A condition resulting from repeated use of potentially harmful substances, often linked to dopamine.

Endorphins

Inhibitory neurotransmitters that block pain signals and are associated with euphoria.

Ketamine

An antagonist that inhibits glutamate action and is being investigated for treating depression.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and cognitive functions.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter that affects attention and responding actions in the brain.

Endocannabinoids

Naturally occurring lipids that bind to cannabinoid receptors and influence various physiological processes.

Oxytocin

A hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a role in social bonding and reproductive behaviors.

Histamine

A neurotransmitter involved in immune responses and regulation of physiological functions in the gastric system.

Calcium Ions (Ca2+)

Essential for triggering neurotransmitter release at synaptic junctions.

Electrical Synapse

A type of synapse where neurons are connected electrically, allowing faster transmission.

Chemical Synapse

A synapse where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits impulses and processes information in the brain and nervous system.

Sodium Ions (Na+)

Crucial for generating action potentials and transmitting electrical signals in neurons.

Myelin Sheath

A protective layer around some axons that speeds up electrical impulses between neurons.

Receptor

Protein molecules on cell surfaces that neurotransmitters bind to, initiating a cellular response.

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, influencing learning and memory.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

A protein that supports neuron growth, survival, and differentiation.

Chronic Stress

Prolonged stress that can adversely affect neurotransmitter systems and brain function.

Neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, often seen in diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of how drugs affect the body, particularly neurotransmitter receptors.

Neuropharmacology

The branch of pharmacology that focuses on the effects of drugs on the nervous system.

Psychotropic Medications

Drugs that affect mental processes and can alter mood, perception, and behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.

Fear Conditioning

A behavioral paradigm used to study associative learning by pairing a neutral stimulus with an aversive event.

Reuptake Inhibitors

Medications that prevent neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed into the neuron, increasing their availability.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy manner.

Vasopressin

A hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter involved in water retention and social behavior.

Serotonin Transporter

A protein that transports serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron, regulating its levels.

Impulse Control

The ability to resist immediate temptations in favor of long-term goals.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual acts and when they observe others performing the same action.

Executive Function

A set of cognitive skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control.

Social Learning

The process of learning behaviors through observation and imitation of others.

Neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system and its role in behavior and cognitive functions.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.