The Basics
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between these cells.
What are neurons?
This neurotransmitter helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.
What is serotonin?
Low levels of serotonin are commonly linked with this mental health disorder.
What is depression?
This type of drug increases neurotransmitter activity.
What is an agonist?
Dopamine is released heavily in this brain system associated with reward and addiction.
What is the limbic system (or reward pathway/mesolimbic pathway)?
This small gap between neurons is where neurotransmitters travel.
What is the synaptic cleft (or synapse)?
These “feel-good” neurotransmitters act as natural painkillers.
What are endorphins?
Excess dopamine activity is associated with this serious mental disorder.
What is schizophrenia?
This type of drug decreases or blocks neurotransmitter activity.
What is an antagonist?
Acetylcholine plays a major role in this brain region involved in learning and memory.
What is the hippocampus?
This neurotransmitter is most associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation.
What is dopamine?
This neurotransmitter prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses.
What is adrenaline (epinephrine)?
A lack of acetylcholine is linked to this neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) increase levels of this neurotransmitter.
What is serotonin?
GABA and glutamate work together to maintain this balance in brain activity.
What is excitation–inhibition balance?
This neurotransmitter enables muscle movement and is linked to learning and memory.
What is acetylcholine (ACh)?
The neurotransmitter that boosts alertness and arousal but is not purely excitatory.
What is noradrenaline (norepinephrine)?
Low levels of GABA are linked to this condition involving extreme nervousness or tension.
What is anxiety?
Drugs like heroin or morphine mimic this type of neurotransmitter.
What are endorphins?
DAILY DOUBLE: Noradrenaline and adrenaline are produced in this part of the brainstem that controls alertness.
What is the locus coeruleus (or adrenal medulla for adrenaline)?
This neurotransmitter is the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter.
What is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)?
This excitatory neurotransmitter strengthens neural connections and is vital for learning and memory.
What is glutamate?
Overactivation of glutamate can lead to this damaging process that kills neurons.
What is excitotoxicity (or seizures/stroke damage)?
Nicotine acts as an agonist for this neurotransmitter that controls muscle movement.
What is acetylcholine?
Endorphins are released from this brain region during intense exercise, reducing pain perception.
What is the pituitary gland?