...are trying to reach. Neurotransmitters are released from the neurons to activate receptors in other cells thought out the target cells. Drugs on the other hand interact with the receptors in the neurons and the target cells either activating them or blocking them, and then the drug has the effect the user wants. The neurotransmitters of the brain come in different variety and have different effects on the body. Acetylcholine is found in large quantities in the brain. It can have an inhibitory effect on the person causing euphoria and insomnia. Acetylcholine derived mostly from nicotine which is found in cigarettes. Catecholamines are neurotransmitters that include norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters control thought process. Cocaine for instance blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine which cause increased feelings of agitation and paranoia. This caused by the simulation of non-catecholamine’s in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is found in most foods and other things we eat or drink. Serotonin results in the feeing of relaxation and is used for sleeping problems. The abuse of drugs can have a negative impact on the user; a change in the serotonin system can cause mood swings, insomnia, and aggressiveness. Endorphins is a neurotransmitter that helps in the blockage of pain, drug user abuse narcotics that do this because people who suffer from pain can have an easy way out of it. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is activated by...
Words: 326 - Pages: 2
...Neurotransmitters (NT) act as chemical messengers in the body. Specifically, they function to transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a potential space known as a synapse, or synaptic cleft. In effect, this allows one nerve cell to communicate with a second nerve cell. Some common neurotransmitters are acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Acetylcholine and norepinephrine are excitatory neurotransmitters while dopamine, serotonin, and GABA are inhibitory (Neurological Control, 2013). Neurotransmitters are molecules that act as messages in the nervous system in the human brain. These molecules range in complexity from the two-carbon transmitter glycine to large proteins. There are three major classes of neurotransmitters, and these include amino acids, amines, and peptides. For the next question, it is apparent that neurons can be described as the definite nerve fibers that exist in the body. This might be composed of one of three different types. These different types may include the interneurons nerves, afferent, and efferent nerves. Interneurons are part of the transfer of the indicators to the efferent neurons. These are a part of the motor nerve fibers that are the reason for the tightening of the muscles that are located in your arms to take your hand away from a surface that is hot. Afferent nerves are known to be receptors that are sensory and in charge of identifying stimuli. When detecting Stimuli it may...
Words: 519 - Pages: 3
...10 Major Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes such as mental performance, emotional states and pain response. Virtually all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters. They are the brain's chemical messengers.Interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and the brain chemicals have a profound influence on overall health and well-being. When our concentration and focus is good, we feel more directed, motivated, and vibrant. Unfortunately, if neurotransmitter levels are inadequate these energizing and motivating signals are absent and we feel more stressed, sluggish, and out-of-control. Effects: Control the appetite center of the brain Stimulates Corticotropin Releasing Factor, Adrenalcorticotropic Hormone, & Cortisol Regulate male and female sex hormone Regulates sleep Modulate mood and thought processes Controls ability to focus, concentrate, and remember things The Mind Body Connection The chemistry of our bodies can alter, and be altered by our every thought and feeling. Our bodies and our minds are truly interconnected, the health of one depends on the health of the other. Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Disrupted communication between the brain and the body can have serious effects to ones health both physically and mentally. Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are thought to be directly related to imbalances with neurotransmitters. The four major...
Words: 1201 - Pages: 5
...Major Neurotransmitters Major Neurotransmitters While there are many, possibly more than fifty neurotransmitters already discovered by scientists, they have all been grouped into four major groups, they are acetylcholine, amino acids, monoamines, and neuropeptides. Neurotransmitters are chemicals inside the brain that communicate throughout the entire human brain and body. They relay signals between neurons, or nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are used by the brain to tell your body to do everything it does. They tell your heart to beat and your lungs to breathe. They can control your sleep, hunger and mood. It is possible to have an unbalanced or low level of certain neurotransmitters which will cause the human body to act in a vast variety of ways. There are many thing that can also effect why these neurotransmitters are not functioning correctly. Ach or acetylcholine, a biogenic amine, was discovered in 1920 by Otto Lewis during an experiment with a frog. According to The Concise Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science, “ACh diffuses across the synapse, it binds to specific postsynaptic receptors to produce either a local excitatory effect or an inhibitory effect. Whether the postsynaptic neuron passes on the message by producing an action potential depends on the sum of the influences it receives from pre-synaptic neurons” (Neurotransmitters, 2004). Dopamine, nor epinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin are also biogenic...
Words: 500 - Pages: 2
...University of Phoenix Material Neurotransmitter Chart Select four neurotransmitters. Complete a table for each neurotransmitter. |Neurotransmitter 1 |State if this neurotransmitter is inhibitory or excitatory: | |(Dopamine) | Both | | | | |What is this neurotransmitter's role on behavior? | | | Dopamine’s role on behavior involves whether there is a decrease of dopamine or an increase. In the case that there is a decrease then there is a chance that the individuals’ behavior will | |represent an individual that id depressed. In the case that there is an increase then the individual will show behaviors of the individual feeling happy and as if they are feeling pleasure. | | ...
Words: 1130 - Pages: 5
...Neurotransmitters are used by the brain to communicate with itself and the nervous system; they are released and received by the brains many nerves cells also called neurons. Neurotransmitters are used for neurons to communicate with each other, communication between neurons is continuous. This communication system is essential to all of the brain's functions. (Nemade, et al,2007). Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that are located in the synaptic vesicles found in the synaptic knob in the presynaptic part of the synapse. Serotonin is an example of a neurotransmitter. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) also known as Serotonin, is a monoamine which is made in a biochemical conversion process using tryptophan. 80-90% of 5-HT in the body is...
Words: 861 - Pages: 4
...Six Major Neurotransmitters Joy Pachowicz PSY 350 Professor Alina Perez – Sheppe April 24, 2011 Introduction The purpose of this paper is to discuss the six major neurotransmitters. There are more than six neurotransmitters; but, in this paper, we will speak of six. To understand what neurotransmitters do; it will be necessary to do a small review of some other terms that will be included in explaining the six major neurotransmitters. Neurons are basic elements of the nervous system; and, unlike other cells, they can communicate with and transmit information to others cells over long distances. The neuron has a cell body and a cluster of fibers at one end that are called dendrites. The dendrites receive messages that other neurons communicate. (Feldman, p.61). The messages received by dendrites are carried by the axon, which is at the other end of the neuron. So, at one end of the neuron is the axon and at the other end are the dendrites. The dendrites receive chemical messages and the axons carry them to other neurons. (Feldman, p.61) The synapse is the space between two neurons where the axon of a receiving neuron communicates with the dendrites of the sending neuron. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that carry messages across the synapse to dendrites of the receiving neuron. This paper will discuss six different neurotransmitters, their functions and how they affect mental illness and medical diseases. The first neurotransmitter...
Words: 786 - Pages: 4
...between neurons by the movement of chemicals or electrical signals across a synapse. The action potential has begun in the presynaptic neuron after neurotransmission takes position at a synapse. The binding process of neurotransmitters can trigger short term changes such as postsynaptic potentials also called membrane potential, or longer term changes depends on the stimulation of signaling cascades. It is essential for nerve impulses to assist in the propagation of signals in which they sent to and from the central nervous system (CNS) through efferent and afferent neurons. These signals coordinate both skeletal and cardiac muscles for functioning of organs for the continued existence of multicellular vertebrate organisms (cite). There are steps involve in the process of neurotransmission. First, the synthesis and storage of neurotransmitter takes place in vesicles so the cell is ready to go on to the next neuron after an action potential arrives at the nerve ending. Next, the action potential passes down the axon to initiate the release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft (Leonard, 2003). Then, a receptor is activated in the postsynaptic membrane so that it can go on the signal and initiate another action potential. Inactivation of the neurotransmitter is when it transports back into the terminal to be recycled, degraded, or removed. Figure 1 Neurotransmission Process The Figure 1 shows the process of neurotransmission. The process of neurotransmission contains...
Words: 605 - Pages: 3
...controller of behavior. For centuries, scientists and philosophers have been infatuated by the brain, but until recently the brain has been viewed as perplexing. Now, however, the brain is beginning to show its secrets. Scientists have learned more about the brain in the last few years than in all previous centuries because of the accelerating pace of research in neurological and behavioral science and the development of new research techniques. The brain is like a committee of experts. All the parts of the brain work together, but each part has its own special properties. Biological causes of clinical depression continue to be studied extensively. Great progress has been made in the understanding of brain function, the influence of neurotransmitters, and other biological processes, as well as how they may relate to the development of depression. Depression or anxiety causes individuals to have many changes in their behaviors. They tend to become isolated from their family, friends, or be social. Their eating patterns lead to either weight gain or loss; and sleeping patterns change where they either do not sleep or sleep excessively. They become agitated, irritable, and fatigue or have lack of energy. Biological psychology aims at finding the biological factor of depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, (SSRI) have had a major impact on the field of biological psychology because it is the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of depression and other...
Words: 2107 - Pages: 9
...cells growth and core functions. Dendrites are branches off the outer edges of the soma. Their role is to receive messages or neurotransmitters from other neurons. The axon is a wire that extends from the soma; it sends outgoing messages to the terminal buttons (small knot like structures at the ends of the axon). Terminal buttons store...
Words: 536 - Pages: 3
...Outline and evaluate biological explanations of depression. 8 + 16 marks One biological explanation of depression is genes. This suggests that depression is inherited. Research shows that individuals with a depressed relative (parent/sibling) are 1.5. to 3 times more likely to develop depression than those without a depressed relative. Twin studies show a concordance rate of 46% for MZ (identical) compared with 20% for DZ (non-identical) twins. This suggests that genes have a role in whether people develop depression or not. However, concordance rates are never 100% for identical twins so this suggests that genes can’t be a full explanation because MZ twins share 100% of their genes and so if genes were the only cause of depression there would be a 100% concordance. This means that there must be other factors involved for example environmental ones such as upbringing and interaction with parents and family members. Higher concordance rates for MZ twins could be explained by the fact that being identical, they are more likely to share a more similar life experience than non-identical twins. It makes sense to take a mixed approach; the diathesis-stress model shows how there can be a genetic predisposition, which is triggered by environmental cues such as life experience. Research has shown that women who were genetically predisposed to depression (had an identical twin suffering with depression) were more likely to develop depressive symptoms when faced with negative life experiences...
Words: 619 - Pages: 3
...Gabriel Test 1 Study Guide (Topics and Concepts) for Chapter 1 and 2: Chapter 1 * Define psychology Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes * Identify and explain psychology’s four primary goals.description, explanation, prediction, influence * Understand the meaning of a theory a theory organizes facts systematically and guides scientific reaserach * **Compare and contrast basic and applied research Basic research is to seek new knowledge and expore and advance scientific understanding. Applied research is to solve practical problems and improve the quality of life * Compare and contrast naturalistic and laboratory observations, case studies and survey research, including their advantages and limitations. Naturalistic Observation – where reasearchers observe behavior in its natural setting without attempting to influence or control it. It allows study of behavior in normal settings but you have to wait for things to happen and observer bias distrots observations. Laboratory Observation- Studying behavior in a labortatory, Reasearchers have more control and use morepresise equipment to measure responses but they lose sontaneirt that occurs when behaviours take place in a more natural setting Case study – an in depth study of one or a few participants consisting of info gathered through observations, interviews and psychological testing. Good for studying people who have uncommon psychological or physiological disorders or brain...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...SSCI206-DB2 Neurotransmitters are chemical signals that facilitate communication between neurons in the brain through the transmission of nerve impulses across the synapse. There are different types of neurotransmitters, each with a different function. The three categories of neurotransmitters are amino acids, monoamines and peptides. Neurons are nerve fibers that transmit signals to other neurons but neurons do not touch but instead the signal travels across a space known as the synapse (Purves, 2001). The neurotransmitter is the chemical that allows the nerve impulses or signals to be transmitted across the synapse. Dopamine controls voluntary movements in the body and endorphins relieve pain and stress. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood or elevates feelings of anxiety while acetylcholine stimulates the muscles (Bora, 2011). When neurotransmitters do not communicate properly if can directly impact the mood of the individual. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that controls important activities in the brain, such as memory and learning. Repressed levels of acetylcholine result in Alzheimer’s while decreased dopamine levels have been connected to Parkinson’s disease. Research has shown that on studies on the brains with people with Alzheimer's disease have substantially lower levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine activates motor neurons in the brain and regulating attention, arousal, and memory. When there are lowered levels of acetylcholine...
Words: 290 - Pages: 2
...Biological Influences Neurotransmitters are a special chemical stored in vesicles in the terminal buttons. These buttons are located at the end of the axons. The neurotransmitters are released into the tiny spaces between the neurons called synapse. They carry signals from neuron to the dendrites of the next receiving neuron. (Davis & Palladino, pg 53). The effects of this action can vary depending on the neurotransmitter type and the location of the synapse. Two different outcomes can come out of this. One effect would be the neuron that receives the neurotransmitter might transmit the message to other neurons, which is called excitation. Or, the other effect would be that the neuron receiving the neurotransmitter becomes unlikely to transmit the message to other neurons, which is referred to as inhibition. This can have different effects on the body. Neurotransmitters actually impact our moods, aggression, motor skills, memory, and our sleeping behaviors. Too much or too little of particular neurotransmitters can play havoc with a persons health, and can cause a number of common illnesses. Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter to be discovered. It was found to control the activity with in the areas of the brain that relate to learning, memory, and attention. Acetylcholine also works within the junction of various nerves and skeletal muscles. (Davis & Palladino, pg.55). The muscles in our lungs that keep us breathing would be paralyzed without acetylcholine...
Words: 644 - Pages: 3
...experience our interactions with them, and with other people, in the future, yet the precise roles that different memory systems play in these processes have yet to be elucidated. Short-term memory involves a temporary synaptic modification, presumably consisting of transient alterations in the concentration, binding, or uptake of various neuro transmitter substances. Short-term synaptic enhancement refers to a model of such short-term memory processes, and it suggests a way that neurochemical activity might briefly maintain memories by modifying the synapse for brief periods of time. The mechanisms mediating STE appear to occur primarily in the presynaptic neuron, perhaps involving an increased number of synaptic vesicles releasing neurotransmitter substance into the cleft in response to an action...
Words: 254 - Pages: 2
