Neurotransmitters and Hormones Vocabulary

Glutamate

Learning, memory & neural plasticity

GABA

Relaxation & reducing anxiety

Dopamine

Regulating mood, reward, motivation & movement

Serotonin

Regulating mood, sleep, appetite & stress

Endorphins

Natural pain relievers & mood enhancers

Substance P

Transmitting pain signal in the nervous system.

Acetylcholine

Muscle contraction, memory & learning

Oxytocin (also a hormone)

Social bonding

Adrenaline (also a hormone)

Body’s stress response. Fight or flight

Norepinephrine(also considered as a hormone)

Regulates arousal, attention & stress during fight or flight

Ghrelin

Stimulates appetite & promotes hunger

Leptin

Regulates energy balance & appetite

Cortisol

Regulates your body’s response to stress

Melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms.