Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitter

(in nervous system) chemical messengers that traverse the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released by sending neurons, travel synapse and bind to receptor sites on receiving neuron, thereby influencing whether it will generate a neural impulse

Acetylcholine (Ach)

moves, rests, remembers; excitatory neurotransmitter related to movement of all muscles, as well as arousal, attention, anger, aggression, sexuality, and thirst

Associated Disorders: memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease

Dopamine (DA)

DO: Drive, Desire, Delight. inhibitory neurotransmitter that controls posture, movement, and plays a significant role in our reward system, movement, motivation, and emotional regulation.

Associated Disorders: Parkinson's Disease, Schizophrenia

Gama-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Calm Down: inhibits central nervous system and regulates anxiety

Associated Disorders: anxiety disorders, Huntington's Disease

Glutamate (Glu)

Go! stimulates nerve cells to send signals, major excitatory neurons in central nervous system: important for learning and memory

Associated Disorders: memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease

Norepinephrine

fight or flight: increases heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. Keeps you focused, awake, and ready for action. Important for psychological arousal, mood changes sleep, and learning

Associated Disorders: Bipolar Mood Disorder

Serotonin (5-HT)

"feel-good", regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and pain

Associated Disorders: Depression

Endorphins

"morphine within", natural opiate-like neurotransmitters, linked to pain control and pleasure

Substance P

P = pain. Critical neurotransmitter in pain pathway. When painful stimulus occurs, it is released by nerve ending in spinal cord and sends it to brain. Mood regulation.