Recognize what will happen when a chemical or electrical problem occurs at any point of the series of connections that make up neuroscience.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that change a neuron’s ability and strength. More than fifty different neurotransmitters have been identified, all of which have very specific functions. It is important to understand that only specific receptor dendrites will receive specific neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitter is much like a puzzle piece that cannot “fit” in the puzzle unless it is put exactly where it is meant to “fit.” Acetylcholine was the first compound identified as a neurotransmitter. It has been found to affect muscle movement and contraction. Learning and memory are also affected by acetylcholine. Victims of Alzheimer’s disease do not produce the amount of acetylcholine necessary to have healthy memory in their lives. Dopamine affects learning, attention, emotion, and movement by inhibiting transmission of neural impulses. Too few dopamine receptors cause Parkinson’s disease (shakiness and difficult movement). Too many dopamine receptors are associated with Schizophrenia. Dopamine is also associated with enjoying the perceived sensations associated with eating. Serotonin inhibits most behavior and emotions. This inhibition obviously affects arousal, hunger, sleep, and general mood. Several antidepressants like Prozac raise the level of serotonin. Norepinephrine is an adrenal hormone in both the central and the peripheral nervous system that raises blood pressure and stimulates nerve impulses. Alertness and arousal are increased when norepinephrine is increased. Depressed people have less norepinephrine than non-depressed people. GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid, is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Huntington’s disease (uncontrollable movement of arms and legs and loss of cognitive abilities) and epilepsy (convulsive seizures) appear to be caused by a lack of GABA. Eating and sleeping disorders may also be affected by GABA levels. Endorphins are neurotransmitters similar to morphine (an addictive opiate pain-killer). Released through pain and intense physical activity, endorphins act as your body’s own “narcotic” to naturally relieve pain. When someone is experiencing withdrawal from heroin addiction, he or she has great pain because the brain has stopped producing its own pain-killer: endorphins.