What are Neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse, from one neuron (nerve cell) to another target cell (which can be another neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell). They are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, influencing everything from mood and sleep to heart rate and digestion.
How Neurotransmitters Work
When an electrical signal (action potential) reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, the tiny gap between neurons. These molecules then bind to specific receptor sites on the receiving neuron, either exciting or inhibiting its activity, thereby propagating or dampening the signal.
Examples of Neurotransmitters
Common neurotransmitters include dopamine, known for its role in reward and motivation; serotonin, which impacts mood, sleep, and appetite; acetylcholine, crucial for muscle contraction and learning; and GABA, a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms nerve activity. Each plays a distinct role in bodily functions.
Importance in the Body
Neurotransmitters are vital for virtually every bodily function and mental process. Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels can lead to various neurological and psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting their critical role in health and disease.