Neurotransmitter Quiz

Neurotransmitters: Chemical Messengers for Nerve Communication

• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry messages between nerve cells, muscles, and glands.
• The transfer of information between neurons is called neurotransmission, and it occurs across a synapse.
• Neurotransmitters are classified based on their chemical structure, function, and action (excitatory or inhibitory).
• Excitatory neurotransmitters cause neurons to fire off messages, while inhibitory neurotransmitters block or prevent messages from being passed along.
• Neuromodulators are neurotransmitters that can affect a large number of neurons and influence the effects of other neurotransmitters.
• There are at least 100 neurotransmitters, and some common ones include glutamate, GABA, glycine, serotonin, and endorphins.
• Glutamate plays a key role in cognitive functions like thinking, learning, and memory.
• GABA reduces excitability, improves sleep, and decreases inflammation.
• Serotonin regulates mood, behavior, sleep, and memory, while endorphins act as natural pain relievers and cause "feel-good" feelings.
• Dopamine helps with pleasure, arousal, learning, focus, concentration, memory, sleep, mood, and motivation.
• The process of synaptic transmission involves the release, binding, and removal of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.
• Neurotransmitter removal can occur through diffusion, enzyme degradation, or reuptake by the presynaptic neuron.