"A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse."
Chemicals that transmit signals between neurons. They are involved in regulating various functions in the brain and body.
Neurotransmitter Types: Brief overview of the different types of neurotransmitters present in the body, including their functions and characteristics.
Synaptic Transmission: How neurotransmitters are released into synapses, interact with receptors, and contribute to neural communication.
Neurotransmitter Receptors: The types of receptors that neurotransmitters bind to, and how these receptors affect cellular physiology.
Localization and Distribution: Where different neurotransmitters are present in the brain and their specific roles in different regions.
Neurotransmitter Transporters: How neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft and their role in regulating neurotransmitter release.
Neurotransmitter Dysregulation: How imbalances in neurotransmitter levels affect brain function and contribute to various neurological and mental disorders.
Modulation by Drugs: How different drugs can affect neurotransmitter levels and function, including both therapeutic and recreational substances.
Neurotransmitter Networks: How different neurotransmitter systems interact with one another to form complex signaling networks.
Genetic and Epigenetic Factors: How genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to changes in neurotransmitter signaling and impact brain function.
Neurotransmitter-based Therapies: How drugs and other therapies targeting neurotransmitter systems are used to treat neurological and mental disorders.
Acetylcholine: Regulates learning, memory, attention, and muscle movements.
Dopamine: Involved in regulating reward and motivation, attention, mood, and motor movements.
Serotonin: Affects mood, appetite, sleep, and sensory perception.
Norepinephrine: Affects the fight-or-flight response, attention, learning, and mood.
Glutamate: The most common excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
GABA: The most common inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in controlling anxiety, muscle tone, and sleep.
Histamine: Involved in regulating wakefulness, appetite, and attention.
Endorphins: Regulate pain perception and induce feelings of pleasure and reward.
Anandamide: Similar to endorphins, induces feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and pain relief.
"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."