"A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse."
Introduction to neurotransmitters, including their different types and functions in the nervous system. Discussion on different disorders related to neurotransmitters such as Parkinson's disease.
Neuron anatomy: Basic structure and function of neurons, including dendrites, axons, and synapses.
Action potentials: Process by which neurons transmit electrical signals.
Ion channels: Proteins in the neuron membrane that regulate the flow of ions in and out of the cell.
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals released by neurons that act as messengers between cells.
Receptors: Proteins in the neuron membrane that bind to neurotransmitters and initiate a response in the cell.
Synaptic transmission: Process by which neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors to initiate a response.
Neurotransmitter synthesis: Process by which neurotransmitters are created within the neuron.
Neurotransmitter release: Process by which neurotransmitters are released from the neuron.
Neurotransmitter reuptake: Process by which neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse.
Neurotransmitter degradation: Process by which neurotransmitters are broken down.
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, attention, learning, and memory.
Dopamine: A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite, and sleep.
GABA: A neurotransmitter involved in inhibiting neural activity.
Glutamate: A neurotransmitter involved in excitatory neural activity.
Endocannabinoids: Neurotransmitters involved in pain, mood, and appetite regulation.
Neuromodulators: Neurotransmitters that alter the activity of other neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitter functions in disease: How imbalances in neurotransmitters can contribute to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Acetylcholine: It is the primary neurotransmitter that is involved in the processing of memory and learning. It also plays a critical role in muscle movement, which explains why acetylcholine inhibitors are used in treating neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis.
Serotonin: It is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and sleep.
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): It is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter of the nervous system that calms the nervous system by reducing unnecessary excitatory activity.
Dopamine: It’s responsible for regulating movement, emotion, pleasure, and motivation.
Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline): It helps control stress, alertness, and focus on task accomplishment.
Glutamate: It is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter that supports memory and learning.
Nitric oxide: It acts as a signaling compound and is responsible for the widening of blood vessels.
Histamine: It is involved in allergic reactions and helps regulate wakefulness and sleep.
Endocannabinoids: Helps in regulating pain, appetite, and immune system response.
Anandamide: It is involved in pain regulation, feeding, motivation, mood, and memory.
Substance P: Functions in regulating mood, perception, and pain.
Adenosine: It helps regulate blood flow to the brain and promotes sleep.
Neuropeptide Y: It regulates cardiovascular function, appetite, and stress responses.
Enkephalins: They are involved in regulating pain, mood, and energy balance.
dynorphins: Involved in regulating mood, learning, and memory.
"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."