Neurotransmitters: The Central Nervous System

1 Neurotransmitters: The Central Nervous System The human brain is an integral component of the central nervous system. It comprises over 86 billion neurons that communicate through chemical messages at the synapse (The University of Queensland, 2021). The process of chemical communication between these cells is referred to as neurotransmission. The chemical involves in the neurotransmission are referred to as neurotransmitters. The production of neurotransmitters occurs inside the neurons. The neurochemicals attach to receptors on the neighboring neurons leading to the transmission of signals (Dana Foundation, 2021).

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2 Neurotransmitters are categorized into two groups: neuropeptides and small-molecule neurotransmitters. Some of the common small-molecules neurotransmitters are dopamine, and glutamate, whereas neuropeptides include oxytocin and insulin. Below is a list of neurotransmitters and their role in the body.

Acetylcholine- This neurotransmitter carries messages from neurons into muscle fibers. These chemicals attach to receptors on the muscle cells leading to movements. Acetylcholine is also involved in facilitating neuroplasticity across the brain cortex (Dana Foundation, 2021).

Dopamine – This neurotransmitter is also called the pleasure chemical since it is released in response to animal behavior following a reward. Besides reward processing, dopamine is also involved in movement, motivation, learning, and decision-making. Dopamine deficiency may lead to addiction, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.

Glutamate – Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory (The University of Queensland, 2021).

Serotonin - Serotonin is a calming neurotransmitter involved in mood modulation. This neurotransmitter also manages sleep, appetite, and memory (Dana Foundation, 2021).

Norepinephrine- Besides being a neurotransmitter, norepinephrine is also a hormone. It is involved in mood regulation, arousal, memory, vigilance, and stress (The University of Queensland, 2021).

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) – GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is vital for brain development. This neurotransmitter is involved in creating essential brain connections during the early development stages.

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4 References Dana Foundation (2021). Neurotransmitters. https://dana.org/article/neurotransmitters/ The University of Queensland (2021). Neurotransmitters. https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brainphysiology/what-are-neurotransmitters