Neuron Transmission & Chemical Messengers

Central Nervous System

serves as the command center of the body, responsible for processing information, coordinating responses, and regulating bodily functions.

Peripheral Nervous System

It serves as a communication network, transmitting sensory information from the body to the central nervous system

Autonomic Nervous System

regulates involuntary bodily functions, It operates automatically, without conscious control.

Sympathetic Nervous System

activating the body's "fight or flight" response in times of stress or danger.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

responsible for promoting relaxation and restoring the body to a calm state after experiencing stress or danger.

Somatic Nervous System

responsible for controlling voluntary movements and relaying sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

Neurons

specialized cell that serves as the building block of the nervous system, transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout the body.

Glial Cells

he "support cells" of the nervous system, provide structural support, insulation, and nourishment to neurons.

Motor Neurons

nerve cells that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles, glands, and organs, initiating and controlling voluntary and involuntary movements.

Sensory Neurons

specialized nerve cells that transmit sensory information from sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, muscles, and organs, to the central nervous system

Interneurons

nerve cells that serve as connectors within the central nervous system, relaying signals between sensory neurons and motor neurons.

Reflex Arc

neural pathway that controls reflex actions, allowing for rapid, automatic responses to sensory stimuli without conscious thought.

The Homunculus Mapper

There is a map of your body surface on your brain's cortex. But the map isn't proportional to actual space.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

chemicals released by neurons that increase the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron.

Glutamate

It is involved in various brain functions, including learning, memory, and neural plasticity.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

chemicals released by neurons that decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron.

GABA

a neurotransmitter that acts as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.

Dopamine

neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, reward, motivation, and movement.

Serotonin

neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and stress.

Endorphins

neurotransmitters produced by the brain and central nervous system that act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers.

Substance p

neurotransmitter involved in transmitting pain signals in the nervous system.

Acetylcholine

neurotransmitter that plays a fundamental role in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Hormones

chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that travel through the bloodstream to target cells or organs, where they regulate various physiological processes and behaviors.

Ghrelin

hormone produced primarily by the stomach and small intestine that stimulates appetite and promotes hunger.

Leptin

hormone produced primarily by fat cells that regulates energy balance and appetite. It acts on the hypothalamus in the brain to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure.

Melatonin

hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms in the body.

Oxytocin

hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a key role in social bonding.

Adrenaline

hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's stress response, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response.

Norepinephrine

eurotransmitter that functions as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. It is involved in the body's "fight or flight" response, regulating arousal, attention, and stress.