Neurotransmitters

Definition

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another. They play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions and processes, including mood, sleep, and cognition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neurotransmitters can be excitatory or inhibitory, influencing whether a neuron will fire an action potential.
2. They are stored in synaptic vesicles and released into the synaptic cleft upon the arrival of an action potential.
3. Common neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA.
4. Neurotransmitter imbalances are linked to various neurological disorders such as depression and Parkinson's disease.
5. Receptor proteins on the post-synaptic cell determine the response to a specific neurotransmitter.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in neural communication?
• How do neurotransmitters influence whether a neuron will fire an action potential?
• Name two common neurotransmitters and describe their general effects.

Related terms

Synapse: The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Action Potential: A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane due to the movement of ions.

Receptor Protein: A protein molecule that receives chemical signals from outside a cell and initiates a response within it.