"A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse."
Chemicals released by neurons to communicate with other neurons or cells.
Neurotransmitter basics: This topic covers the basics of how neurotransmitters work, including their role in the brain and their chemical composition.
Neurotransmitter synthesis: This topic covers the process by which neurotransmitters are synthesized in the body and brain.
Neurotransmitter receptors: This topic explores the various types of receptors that exist for neurotransmitters, including how they work and how they are affected by other substances.
Neurotransmitter release: This topic covers the process by which neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, including the various factors that can influence this process.
Neurotransmitter reuptake: This topic covers the process by which neurotransmitters are taken back up into the presynaptic neuron after they have been released.
Neurotransmitter metabolism: This topic covers the various metabolic pathways involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters, including the enzymes and other factors involved.
Neurotransmitter transporters: This topic explores the various transporters that are involved in the movement of neurotransmitters into and out of neurons.
Neurotransmitter regulation: This topic covers the various mechanisms by which neurotransmitter levels are regulated in the body and brain.
Neurotransmitter diseases: This topic covers the various diseases and disorders that are associated with imbalances or dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems.
Neurotransmitter drugs: This topic covers the various drugs and medications that are used to influence neurotransmitter function, including their effects and side effects.
Acetylcholine: Plays a role in skeletal muscle movement, attention, arousal, and memory.
Dopamine: Helps regulate movement, motivation, arousal, and reward.
Serotonin: Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
Norepinephrine: Responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and helps regulate attention and focus.
Glutamate: Acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, involved in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): Acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, involved in calming and reducing anxiety.
Endorphins: Play a role in pain regulation and feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Oxytocin: Plays a role in social bonding, trust, and empathy.
Adenosine: Acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in sleep and regulating brain activity.
Histamine: Involved in regulating sleep, arousal, and immune responses.
"The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell."
"Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft."
"Neurotransmitters are able to interact with neurotransmitter receptors on the target cell."
"The neurotransmitter's effect on the target cell is determined by the receptor it binds to."
"Common neurotransmitters include glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, glycine, and norepinephrine."
"Many neurotransmitters are synthesized from simple and plentiful precursors such as amino acids."
"Neurotransmitters are essential to the function of complex neural systems."
"The exact number of unique neurotransmitters in humans is unknown."
"More than 100 neurotransmitters have been identified."
"Amino acids are readily available and often require a small number of biosynthetic steps for conversion."
"A synapse allows communication between neurons and their target cells through the release of neurotransmitters."
"Yes, neurotransmitters can affect not only neurons but also gland and muscle cells."
"Synaptic vesicles are the storage compartments within neurons where neurotransmitters are enclosed before their release."
"The space between the pre-synaptic neuron and the target cell is called the synaptic cleft."
"Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft."
"Neurotransmitter receptors on the target cell allow the neurotransmitter to interact and exert its effects."
"Neurotransmitters are essential to the function of complex neural systems."
"No, many neurotransmitters are synthesized from simple and plentiful precursors, often requiring only a few biosynthetic steps."
"While glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, glycine, and norepinephrine are common neurotransmitters, there are more than 100 identified neurotransmitters in total."