Neurotransmitters - Anatomy & Physiology

Acetylcholine (Ach)

Stimulates (PNS) and controls (CNS) skeletal muscles

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

Feeling good, can excite or inhibit autonomic nervous system

Dopamine

Feeling good, deficiency linked to Parkinson’s

Serotonin

Inhibitory, leads to sleepiness, enhanced by SSRIs.

Histamine

Promotes alertness, involved in allergic response

GABA

opposes Glutamic Acid, is inhibitory

Glutamic Acid

opposes GABA, is excitatory

Substance P

Pain reception, excitatory

Endorphins

reduce pain, inhibit substance P release

Nitric Oxide

Vasodilation, may play a role in memory