Neurotransmitters are chemicals involved in nerve function.
Their actions impact mood, movement, and survival.
Common neurotransmitters includeserotonin,epinephrine,dopamine,acetylcholine, andgamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA).
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Neurotransmitters initiate their action when they bind to a receptor on their target cell.
A receptor is a small protein that can attach to a specific chemical or hormone in the body.
Receptors that can bind to neurotransmitters are usually located on the surface of a neuron or a muscle.
When a receptor attaches to a neurotransmitter, certain cell functions are initiated or inhibited for a limited time.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
These fast-acting neurotransmitters adjust blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholineplays a role in memory and movement.
Dopamine
Dopamineis involved in regulating fluid muscle movement.
This neurotransmitter also plays a role in motivation.Addictive behaviors are associated with a craving for dopamine.
Neurotransmitters and Associated Conditions
Several of the commonly defined neurotransmitters are associated with medical disorders and diseases.
Treatment is often focused on balancing the neurotransmitter disruption, which can help alleviate symptoms.
This condition is resulting from a decline in dopamine activity in certain regions of the brain.
It is associated with an increase in dopamine activity in the brain.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia graviscauses muscle weakness, double vision, and droopy eyelids.
It is brought on by autoimmune (the bodys immune system, attacking itself) destruction of acetylcholine receptors.
Addiction
There are numerous types of addictions to drugs and behaviors.
Neurotransmitter Dysfunction
Many medical and psychiatric conditions involve neurotransmitter dysfunction.
Temporary or persistent neurotransmitter imbalance can cause a range of effects.
Symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalance include:
Hormones and Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters and hormones are types of chemical messengers.
Some similarities and differences include:
Neurotransmitters work together with hormones to regulate different functions.
Summary
Neurotransmitters are small molecules that regulate the nervous system.
Your body is always balancing neurotransmitter action to help you surviveand any imbalance can cause symptoms or disease.
There are many neurotransmitters in the body.
Several are associated with illnesses and can be modified with medication to control symptoms.
Sometimes neurotransmitter activity changes quickly and briefly in response to emotions and actions, such as exercise and meditation.
This is a completely healthy and normal way that your neurotransmitters adapt to the changes in your body.
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