NEUROTRANSMITTER

What is Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that allow neurons to communicate with each
other throughout the body. They enable the brain to provide a variety of functions, through the
process of chemical synaptic transmission. These endogenous chemicals are integral in shaping
everyday life and functions.

Types of Neurotransmitters

There are more than 40 neurotransmitters in the human nervous system; some of the
most important are ;

1. acetylcholine
2. norepinephrine
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3. dopamine
4. gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
5. glutamate
6. serotonin, and
7. histamine

1. Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine (ACh) is an important neurotransmitter that plays a role in brain
functions, such as memory, and body functions, such as muscle contractions to move
your muscles. Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with memory issues and muscle
disorders.

2. Norepinephrine
norepinephrine, also called noradrenaline, substance that is released predominantly
from the ends of sympathetic nerve fibres and that acts to increase the force of skeletal
muscle contraction and the rate and force of contraction of the heart. The actions of
norepinephrine are vital to the fight-or-flight response, whereby the body prepares to
react to or retreat from an acute threat.

3. Serotonin
Serotonin is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and
throughout your body. Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as mood, sleep,
digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire.

4. Dopamine
Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter and hormone. It plays a role in many important
body functions, including movement, memory and pleasurable reward and motivation.
High or low levels of dopamine are associated with several mental health and
neurological diseases.

5. Gamma- aninobu Tyric acid (GABA)

is an amino acid that functions as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter for the
central nervous system (CNS). It functions to reduce neuronal excitability by inhibiting
nerve transmission.
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6. Glycine
Glycine acts as neurotransmitter in central nervous system and it has many roles such as
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cryoprotective, and immunomodulatory in peripheral
and nervous tissues.

7. Endorphins
are neurotransmitters released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. As
natural hormones, they can alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance
your sense of well-being. The body releases endorphins when you do pleasurable
activities such as eating, exercise.