"A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse."
Chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and nervous system.
Introduction to Neurotransmitters: This provides an overview of what neurotransmitters are, how they work, and their role in the brain and behavior.
Types of Neurotransmitters: This covers the different types of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine.
Neurotransmitter Receptors: This explains how neurotransmitter receptors work, how they are classified, and their role in transmitting signals between neurons.
Neurotransmitter Release: This covers how neurotransmitters are released from neurons, the factors that regulate release, and the mechanism of neurotransmitter release.
Neurotransmitter Synthesis: This explains the process of neurotransmitter synthesis, how it occurs in neurons, and the factors that regulate neurotransmitter synthesis.
Neurotransmitter Transport: This covers the transport of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron, and the role of transporters in this process.
Neurotransmitter Degradation: This explains how neurotransmitters are degraded in the brain, the enzymes responsible for this process, and the significance of neurotransmitter degradation.
Neurotransmitter Function and Effects: This covers the various functions of neurotransmitters, such as modulating mood, behavior, and cognitive processes, and the effects of neurotransmitter imbalances on psychological disorders.
Neurotransmitter Modulation: This explains how neurotransmitter activity is modulated by various factors, such as drugs, hormones, and environmental factors.
Neurotransmitter Regulation: This covers the regulation of neurotransmitter activity, including the role of feedback mechanisms, synaptic plasticity, and neuromodulators.
Neurotransmitter Imbalances: This explains the causes and consequences of neurotransmitter imbalances, and the role of neurotransmitter imbalances in psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Pharmacology of Neurotransmitters: This covers the pharmacology of neurotransmitters, such as the drugs used to treat psychological disorders and the mechanisms of action of these drugs.
Neurotransmitter Research Techniques: This explains the various research techniques used to study neurotransmitters, such as electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular genetics.
Neurotransmitters and Disease: This covers the role of neurotransmitters in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, addiction, and Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitter Signaling Pathways: This provides an overview of the signaling pathways involved in neurotransmitter activity, such as the cAMP signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the PI3K signaling pathway.
Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in cognitive processes such as learning, memory, and attention, as well as motor control.
Dopamine: Plays a role in reward-motivated behavior, reinforcement, and motor control.
Serotonin: Involved in mood regulation, appetite, sleep, and memory.
Norepinephrine: Responsible for fight-or-flight response, attention, focus, and arousal.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): Inhibitory neurotransmitter; helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Glutamate: Excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.
Endorphins: Involved in pain regulation, reward, and pleasure.
Histamine: Involved in arousal, attention, and the inflammatory response.
"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."