The 7 Most Important Neurotransmitters

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.

NEUROTRANSMITTER	TYPE	FUNCTION	TOO MUCH?	TOO LITTLE?
Acetylcholine (ACH)	Excitatory	-Voluntary muscle control-Parasympathetic nervous system-Attention-Alertness -Learning and memory	Muscle spasms	Alzheimer’s
Dopamine	Inhibitory	-Smooth movements-postural stability -mood and emotion-arousal	-Schizophrenia-Drug addiction	Parkinson’s
Serotonin	Inhibitory	-Mood regulation-Sleep-Eating-Dreaming	Hallucinations	Depression and mood disorders
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine	Excitatory	-Fight-or-flight responses-Wakefulness -Alertness -Mood elevation	Anxiety	Mental disorders, specifically depression
GABA and Glycine	Inhibitory	-Brain “stabilization”-Regulates sleep-wake cycles	Sleeping and eating disorders	-Anxiety-Epilepsy-Insomnia-Huntington’s disease
Glutamate	Excitatory	-Brain excitation-Learning and long-term memory	-Overstimulation of brain which can lead to seizures and migraines	N/A
Endorphins	Inhibitory	-Natural painkillers-Reduction of stress-positive emotions	-Inadequate response to pain-Artificial highs	Potential for addiction–especially with opiates