Neurotransmitters (REVIEW)

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, learning, memory, and attention.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in movement, motivation, reward, attention, and learning.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and emotional regulation.

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

Neurotransmitter involved in alertness, attention, arousal, and the body's stress response.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Hormone and neurotransmitter that increases arousal and prepares the body for action during stressful situations.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; it reduces neural activity and helps produce calmness.

Glutamate

The brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter; important for learning, memory, and neural communication.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that reduce pain and can produce feelings of pleasure or well-being.

Oxytocin

Hormone and neurotransmitter associated with social bonding, trust, and attachment.

Endocannabinoids

Neurotransmitters involved in appetite, pain, mood, memory, and regulating other neurotransmitter systems.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger released by neurons that carries signals across a synapse to another neuron, muscle, or gland.

Excitatory neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood that the receiving neuron will fire an action potential.

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood that the receiving neuron will fire an action potential.

Synapse

The small junction or gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released and communicate with another cell.

Synaptic cleft

The tiny gap between neurons across which neurotransmitters travel.

Reuptake

The process in which a sending neuron reabsorbs neurotransmitters from the synaptic gap.

Agonist

A chemical that mimics or enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A chemical that blocks or reduces the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Dopamine — too little

Associated with problems involving movement and motivation; Parkinson's disease is associated with dopamine-producing neuron loss.

Dopamine — too much

Excess dopamine activity in certain brain pathways has been associated with schizophrenia symptoms.

Serotonin — too little

Associated with depression and other mood-related problems, although these conditions have complex causes.

Serotonin — too much

Excessive serotonin activity can contribute to serotonin syndrome.

Acetylcholine — too little

Associated with memory and learning problems; reduced acetylcholine is seen in Alzheimer's disease.

GABA — too little

Can contribute to increased neural activity, anxiety, and seizures.

Glutamate — too much

Excessive glutamate activity can overstimulate neurons and cause excitotoxicity.

Norepinephrine — too little

Can be associated with low alertness, attention, and mood.

Norepinephrine — too much

Can contribute to excessive arousal, anxiety, and stress responses.

Which neurotransmitter is associated with reward and motivation?

Dopamine.

Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood and sleep?

Serotonin.

Which neurotransmitter is associated with muscle movement and memory?

Acetylcholine.

Which neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter?

GABA.

Which neurotransmitter is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter?

Glutamate.

Which neurotransmitters are involved in the fight-or-flight response?

Norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Which neurotransmitters are associated with pain reduction?

Endorphins.

What is the main difference between GABA and glutamate?

GABA generally decreases neural activity, while glutamate generally increases neural activity.

Why are neurotransmitters important?

They allow neurons to communicate with one another and with muscles and glands, influencing behavior, thoughts, emotions, and bodily functions.