The Nervous System

Afferent (sensory neurons)

Carry messages inward to sensory receptors.

Efferent (motor neurons)

Carry messages outward to muscular system.

Interneurons

Process information between sensory inputs/motor outputs. Only found in the brain and spinal cord.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

block/prevent transition.

Excitatory

Fires off/Passes messages.

Acetycholine (ACh)

Motor, movement, learning and memory. Too Much = cramps, paralysis, and issues regulating cardiac contractions. Too little is linked with Alzheimer.

Serotonin

Mood control, hunger, sleep, and arousal. Lack of serotonin has been linked to depression. Too much = flu like symptoms. New research is showing it may possibly be linked with anxiety. 

Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline

Alertness and Arousal. Gets us “Ready for action.” Lowest during sleep and highest when there is danger. Undersupply can suppress mood. Too much can lead to high blood pressure, feeling restless and anxiety.

Glutamate

Learning and memory. Major excitatory neurotransmitter. Oversupply can overstimulate brain leading to migraine or seizures. Undersupply can lead to learning and memory issues.

GABA

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces excitability. Undersupply can lead to seizures, tremors and insomnia. Oversupply can lead to anxiety and brain fog.

Substance P

Controls pain perception, stress, anxiety and immune response. Oversupply can lead to chronic pain. Undersupply can lead to a reduction in pain transmission. Linked to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Dopamine

Controls motor movement, alertness and motivation. Plays a major role in reward motivated behavior. A lack of it can lead to Parkinson's. Too much is linked with schizophrenia. 

Endorphines

Involved in pain control (body’s natural morphine). Many of the most addictive drugs mimic the effects of endorphins. Morphine has a similar chemical structure. Feel good chemicals naturally manufactured in the brain. Inhibitor.

Agonist Drug

Can make a neuron either fire or not fire.

Reuptake Inhibitor

Blocks reuptake.