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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / The 7 Most Important Neurotransmitters

The 7 Most Important Neurotransmitters

November 17, 2019

What Is a Neurotransmitter Anyways? 

A neurotransmitter is essentially a chemical messenger that carries messages between neurons.  They are produced in the neurons and are recycled through a process called re-uptake.  

Ok……but what is a neuron? 

A neuron is a specialized nerve cell that transmits nerve impulses.  So basically neurons need to be able to talk to one another and neurotransmitters are how they do that.  Neurons never touch one another, so the neurotransmitter acts as a communicator for them. Imagine having two divorced parents who hate each other and will only communicate through you.  So, for example, your mom would tell you a message and then you would leave her house and go to your dad’s house across the street to tell him. Then, you would travel back to your mom’s house and wait for another message before being sent out again. 

Think of neurotransmitters in the same way.  Neurotransmitters are held in the axon terminal button of the neuron until it is time for them to travel and communicate a message.  After release, neurotransmitters travel through a gap called the synapse and arrive at their destination neuron activating an electrical impulse.  

Head over here to learn more about neurons:
https://alectrolabs.com/2019/11/17/the-7-most-important-neurotransmitters/

Ok, so now we know what neurotransmitters are, but now you may be asking ‘which ones should I know’?  Well, you’re in luck because I’ve made a nifty chart to help you learn the 7 most important neurotransmitters.  

NEUROTRANSMITTERTYPEFUNCTIONTOO MUCH?TOO LITTLE?
Acetylcholine (ACH)Excitatory -Voluntary muscle control-Parasympathetic nervous system-Attention-Alertness -Learning and memoryMuscle spasmsAlzheimer’s 
DopamineInhibitory-Smooth movements-postural stability -mood and emotion-arousal -Schizophrenia-Drug addictionParkinson’s 
SerotoninInhibitory -Mood regulation-Sleep-Eating-DreamingHallucinationsDepression and mood disorders 
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine Excitatory-Fight-or-flight responses-Wakefulness -Alertness -Mood elevationAnxietyMental disorders, specifically depression 
GABA and GlycineInhibitory-Brain “stabilization”-Regulates sleep-wake cyclesSleeping and eating disorders -Anxiety-Epilepsy-Insomnia-Huntington’s disease
GlutamateExcitatory -Brain excitation-Learning and long-term memory-Overstimulation of brain which can lead to seizures and migraines N/A
EndorphinsInhibitory -Natural painkillers-Reduction of stress-positive emotions-Inadequate response to pain-Artificial highs Potential for addiction–especially with opiates

If you were like wow, another boring table? Here’s a graphic I whipped up that you might find more aesthetically pleasing:

Now you may be saying: “I’m going over this chart, but there’s no way I’m going to memorize all of that!  Is there an easier way?” 

Well indeed there is, my scholarly friend!  Click here to head to another article about how to memorize the neurotransmitters using mnemonics!

Sources/Where to Head to learn more:

The Ultimate Guide to Neurotransmitters for AP Psychology

https://das.ohio.gov/Portals/0/DASDivisions/HumanResources/BA/EAP/pdf/OEAP%20Conference/2015/Neurotransmitters%20And%20Addiction%20HO.pdf

https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_01/i_01_m/i_01_m_ana/i_01_m_ana.html

in Uncategorized # neurotransmitters, psychology

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Comments

  1. kevincporter says

    November 21, 2019 at 4:46 am

    These examples are awesome.. They definitely help me internalize quickly.

    Reply

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