Unit 1: Types of Neurotransmitters

Excitatory Neurotransmitter

they excite connecting neurons and cause them to fire more action potential to trigger

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

Inhibit the next neuron from firing

Acetylcholine

Involved in thought, learning and memory. In the body involved in activating muscle action

• Excitatory

Surplus - muscle spasms

Deficit- dementia and alzheimer’s disease, paralysis

Serotonin

Regulation of emotion, sleep cycle, intestinal movements (Focused on happiness, calmness) (Mood)

• Inhibitory

Surplus-hallucinations

Deficit- depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, suicide, OCD

Dopamine

Pleasure chemical of the brain (associated with feelings of reward and motivation)

• Inhibitory

Surplus- drug addiction, schizophrenia

Deficit- forms depression, muscle rigidity, tremors, ADHD, memory problems, anxiety disorder

Norepinephrine

Flight or fight (responses to danger and attention)

• Excitatory

Surplus- anxiety

Deficit- depression and mental disorders

GABA

slows things down, calming, CNS natural tranquilizer. Also contributes to motor control and vision

• Inhibitory

surplus-overly relaxed and sedated

Deficit - anxiety disorders, seizures, tremors and insomnia

Glutamate

Involved in normal operations of the brain including thinking, long-term memory and learning

Excitatory

Surplus - overstimulate the brain resulting in migraines and epileptic seizures

Endorphins

Relive pain and stress

• Inhibitory

Surplus- artificial highs

Deficit -body experiencing pain