SEVEN IMPORTANT

NEUROTRANSMITTERS
 WHAT ARE NEUROTRANSMITTERS?

A neurotransmitter is a
chemical messenger inside
the body.

Neurotransmitters carry
messages between neurons.
 NEURONS
• Neurons are the nerve cells that create a giant
communication network in our nervous system.

• There are two major types of neurons, motor

neurons and sensory neurons
 HOW DO NEURONS TALK TO EACH
OTHER?
• Neurotransmitters are contained in a part of the neuron called
the axon terminal button until they are sent to another neuron.
• Neurons never touch each other, so to get to that other neuron, the
neurotransmitter has to cross a small gap called the synapse.
• The neurotransmitter then crosses over to the neighboring neuron
and signals it to activate with an electrical impulse.
 CLASSIFICATION
Neurotransmitters can be classified by their
function:

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Modulatory neurotransmitters
 UNDERSTANDING 7 MAJOR
NEUROTRANSMITTERS
• While there are dozens of known neurotransmitters, there
are seven major ones to focus on.
 NOREPINEPHRINE
• Also known as noradrenaline

• An excitatory neurotransmitter

• In the brain it increases the level of alertness and wakefulness.

• Norepinephrine has been implicated in mood disorders such

as depression and anxiety, in which case its concentration in the body is
abnormally low.
 DOPAMINE

• It is considered a special type of neurotransmitter because its effects are

both excitatory and inhibitory.

• Dopamine is important for movement.

• Dopamine deficiency related to the destruction of the substantia nigra

leads to Parkinson’s disease.
 SEROTONIN
• Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has been found to be
intimately involved in emotion and mood.

• Deficiency of serotonin may result in range of emotional disorders

like depression, anger control problems and even suicidal tendencies.
 GABA
• The most powerful inhibitory neurotransmitter 

• Functions of GABA are closely related to mood and emotions.

• When it is abnormally low this can lead to anxiety.

 ACETYLCHOLINE
• Acetylcholine  is an excitatory neurotransmitter 

• Acetylcholine regulates the sleep cycle

• It is also essential for muscle functioning

 GLUTAMATE
• Glutamate is the most powerful excitatory neurotransmitter of the central
nervous system

• It takes part in the regulation of learning processes and memory.

• Inapropriate glutamate neurotransmission contributes to

developing epilepsy and cognitive and affective disorders.
 ENDORPHINS
• Neurotransmitters that inhibit the transmission of pain signals and promote
feelings of euphoria.

• These chemical messengers are produced naturally by the body in response

to pain.
THANK YOU!