"A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse."
Chemicals that facilitate communication between neurons. Learn about the major types of neurotransmitters, their functions, and their role in behavior and cognition.
Introduction to Neuroscience: A brief overview of the field of neuroscience and the important concepts and tools for understanding the function of the nervous system.
Structure and function of neurons: Understanding the basic structure and function of neurons, the building blocks of the nervous system.
Synaptic transmission: The process of how neurons communicate through the release and reception of neurotransmitters.
Types of neurotransmitters: An overview of the different types of neurotransmitters and their functions in the brain and nervous system.
Neurotransmitter receptor: The different types of neurotransmitter receptors and their effects on the body and brain.
Role of neurotransmitters in behavior and disease: How neurotransmitters affect the behavior, mood, and cognition and their role in various disorders such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and Parkinson's Disease.
Neurotransmitter transporters: Understanding the process of reuptake of neurotransmitters in the synapse by transporters.
Techniques for studying neurotransmitters: Overview of different techniques such as imaging, electrophysiology, and pharmacology for studying the function of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Neurotransmitters and drugs: The impact of drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and stimulants on the function of neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters and the autonomic nervous system: The role of neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
Neurotransmitter systems: An overview of the different neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including the dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine systems.
Neurotransmitters and learning and memory: The role of neurotransmitters in learning and memory processes such as long-term potentiation and synaptic plasticity.
Neurotransmitters and sleep: The role of neurotransmitters in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Neurotransmitters and pain: Understanding the role of neurotransmitters in the perception and modulation of pain.
Neurotransmitters and hormones: The interaction between neurotransmitters and hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone in regulating mood, behavior, and cognition.
Amino acid neurotransmitters: The most common types of neurotransmitters in the brain, including glutamate, GABA, glycine, and histamine.
Peptide neurotransmitters: Larger molecules made up of amino acids, including substance P, oxytocin, and dynorphin.
Acetylcholine neurotransmitters: A neurotransmitter that is important for memory, learning, and muscle contraction.
Biogenic amine neurotransmitters: A group of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, important for regulating mood and behavior.
Purine neurotransmitters: A group of neurotransmitters that includes adenosine and ATP, important for regulating sleep and wake cycles.
Gas neurotransmitters: Nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, which play a role in the dilation of blood vessels and other physiological processes.
Lipid neurotransmitters: Molecules that can act as neurotransmitters, including endocannabinoids and prostaglandins.
Trace amine neurotransmitters: A small group of neurotransmitters that includes phenylethylamine, important for regulating mood and behavior.
Nucleotide neurotransmitters: Adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate, which play a role in cellular signaling and energy metabolism.
Cholecystokinin neurotransmitters: A type of peptide neurotransmitter that is important for regulating appetite and digestion.
"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."