Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between neurons. They are produced in the cell body of a neuron and travel along the axon to vesicles. When a vesicle opens, the neurotransmitter travels across the synapse to receptors on dendrites. There are three main types of neurotransmitters – monoamines, amino acids, and peptides – each with a specific function. Some neurotransmitters have evolved systems for large-scale transmission, such as dopamine in the reward system and addiction process. Mind-altering drugs can mimic or suppress neurotransmitter actions.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry information across the synaptic cleft between neurons. These chemicals are made by the body and are used to send a wide variety of messages, from a signal to relax a muscle to a chemical reward for engaging in a particular task. Many have been identified by researchers working with the brain and nervous system, and many more have yet to be identified and understood with certainty. They are very difficult to see in action in nature, which has complicated the study of these unique chemicals.
These chemicals are produced within the cell body of a neuron. They travel along the neuron’s axon and take up residence in vesicles, which are essentially tiny pods filled with neurotransmitters. When the neuron receives the correct impulse, a vesicle will open to release the corresponding neurotransmitter, and the chemical will travel across the synapse to receptors located on the dendrites of one or more nearby neurons.
Some neurotransmitters are excitatory, which means they activate the neurons they come in contact with. Others are inhibitory, shutting down the neuron. When a neuron receives a message from a neurotransmitter, it can in turn transmit the message to nearby neurons. All of these actions take place in fractions of a second, allowing the brain to send and receive messages almost instantly to and from any part of the body. The nervous system is extremely complex and sophisticated, which is why it has been difficult for researchers to fully understand it.
There are three main types of neurotransmitters: monoamines, amino acids and peptides. Some examples include dopamine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine, oxytocin, insulin and adrenaline. Each chemical performs a specific function in the body and nervous system. Many mind-altering drugs are capable of mimicking or suppressing the actions of various neurotransmitters to create a variety of effects, and some drugs can cause permanent structural changes when used for extended periods of time. Prescription drugs are often designed to work with or against specific neurotransmitters.
Some neurotransmitters have evolved systems within the brain and nervous system that allow for the transmission of large-scale volumes of chemicals. Dopamine is associated with volume transmission. It plays a role in the body’s reward system and is heavily involved in the addiction process. Similar systems are involved in the learning process, emotion control and a variety of other tasks.
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