Question

List the neurotransmitters, and describe their functions.

Short answer

Some of the main neurotransmitters include Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, and GABA. Acetylcholine is involved in muscle movement and memory, while Dopamine is crucial for motivation, reward, and motor control. Serotonin contributes to well-being and happiness, controlling body functions like temperature, sleep, mood, appetite, and pain. Norepinephrine acts as a stress hormone and neurotransmitter, important for alertness and reactions in the fight-or-flight response. Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, promoting neural communication, memory formation, learning, and regulation. Lastly, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, working to reduce neuronal excitability and control fear when neurons become overexcited.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the nervous system. They are produced by nerve cells and used to transmit signals to neighboring cells, either encouraging or inhibiting various physical and psychological functions.

Listing the Neurotransmitters

Some of the main neurotransmitters include: Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory. It's vital for motor function and plays a significant role in memory formation and learning in the brain.

Dopamine

Dopamine is crucial for many functions including motivation, reward, and motor control. Its deficiency is linked to Parkinson's disease, and its excess is associated with Schizophrenia.

Serotonin

Serotonin contributes to well-being and happiness. It helps control body temperature, sleep, mood, appetite, and pain. Imbalanced levels are linked with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine acts as a stress hormone and neurotransmitter. It is important for alertness and reactions in the fight-or-flight response.

Glutamate

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter. It promotes neural communication, memory formation, learning, and regulation.

GABA

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. It works to reduce neuronal excitability and control fear when neurons become overexcited. High levels of GABA bring about calm, relaxation, and sleep.