AP psych - Neurotransmitters

AP psychology - all about neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters return to the presynaptic neuron after sending a message.

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Chemicals that increase neural firing in the receiving cell.

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Chemicals that decrease neural firing in the receiving cell.

Serotonin

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, eating, and aggressive behaviors.

Mood disorders

Conditions that can arise from low serotonin levels, such as depression and anxiety.

Norepinephrine

An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in the fight or flight response and stress.

Adrenaline

Another name for norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and stimulates respiration.

Acetylcholine (ACH)

An excitatory neurotransmitter that regulates skeletal muscle contractions and memory formation.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter that enhances transmission between neurons.

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that balances excitatory messages and regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Endorphins

Natural opiates that regulate pain perception and are linked to positive emotions.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in motor movements, attention, learning, and emotional arousal.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter that modulates pain and causes smooth muscle contraction.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released by glands in the endocrine system that affect various bodily functions.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates circadian rhythms and promotes sleepiness.

Ghrelin

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that signals hunger.

Leptin

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that signals fullness.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and lactation.

Dependence

The mental or physical need for a drug to function.

Addiction

Compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.

Withdrawal

Discomfort and distress following the discontinuation of an addictive substance.

Tolerance

The need for increasing amounts of a drug to achieve the same effect due to brain chemistry adaptation.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions, such as alcohol and opioids.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions, such as cocaine and caffeine.

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images without sensory input, like LSD and marijuana.

Opioids

Drugs derived from opium that depress neural activity and lessen pain and anxiety, such as heroin and morphine.