Thanks to the functioning of our nervous system, we can be aware of our internal and external world, we achieve understand and give meaning to everything that happens to us, what we see, we can learn and carry out what we learn from effective way. The nervous system is responsible for coordinating and integrating all the activities of the different systems of our body.
When we talk about what a neurotransmitter is, we refer to those chemical substances generated by the body that are responsible for emitting signals (information) from one neuron to another through. A process called synapse. The neurotransmitter is released through the vesicles by a nerve impulse, then passes through what is called space presynaptic to, finally, interact with the postsynaptic neuron modifying its action potential, producing a physiological response determined.
In this Psychology-Online article, we will explain what are neurotransmitters, the types of neurotransmitters and their classification.
Neurotransmitters are
What are neurotransmitters for? The functions of neurotransmitters are to inhibit or excite postsynaptic cell activity, that is, depending on the type of receptor, neurotransmitters can enhance or decrease its functioning. It is important to mention that the effect that neurotransmitters have on neurons can be short-term, for a few seconds, or long-term, for months and even years.
Research being done on the functions of neurotransmitters is extremely important. The importance of neurotransmitters resides in that thanks to them we can learn more about various of the higher cognitive processes in which they are involved such as, for example, memory, the thought, attention, language, learning, etc.
There are more than 100 types of neurotransmitters, each with different functions. In this article, we will focus on describing the main neurotransmitters. If you wonder what are the most important neurotransmitters, you will find the answer below.
1. Dopamine
Dopamine is one of the most popular types of neurotransmitters, and it is directly related to the sensation of well-being, pleasure and relaxation. Dopamine originates in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra and plays a very important role in the control of our musculoskeletal system, so coordinate movement.
As it is also essential for the correct functioning of the central nervous system, it plays a key role in human behavior, which is why it is given the name of neurotransmitter of happiness. Another function of the neurotransmitter is that it produces a depolarizing effect in neurons, it makes an excellent communication between them, which favors learning, attention and memory.
2. Serotonin
This type of neurotransmitter also plays a role as a hormone. It is located in different sections of the central nervous system and its main function is to regulate the activity of other neurotransmitters.
Serotonin is directly involved in various processes such as digestion, the regulation of anxiety and stress levels, body thermal regulation, sleep, appetite, mood, and sexual desire.
You can see more information in the article What is serotonin and what is it for?.
3. Noradrenaline
Norepinephrine is a type of neurotransmitter also known as the stress hormone And, like serotonin, it fulfills a double function, that of a neurotransmitter and that of a hormone. Norepinephrine is responsible for activating the sympathetic nervous system and is associated with heart rate and certain processes in charge of the attention and the generation of a response to the stress.
4. Adrenalin
Epinephrine is a neurotransmitter that is highly similar to norepinephrine. Adrenaline takes care of develop coping mechanisms when we are in real or even imaginary danger. It also complies with some physiological reactions, such as respiration and blood pressure.
5. Glutamate
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamate is related to the neurotransmitter GABA and plays a very important role in memory processes and their retrieval, among other mental processes.
6. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a type of neurotransmitter that is responsible for stopping or inhibit the action of some excitatory neurotransmitters. The objective of doing this is to prevent us from having certain exaggerated fear and anxiety reactions that only cause us discomfort.
7. Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is the first neurotransmitter to be discovered. Specifically, acetylcholine is found in different areas of the central nervous system, in gland synapses and in muscles. It is responsible for stimulating the muscles, activating motor neurons, favors memory and association processes, as well as the passage from sleep to wakefulness.
8. Histamine
Histamine is the neurotransmitter in charge of rto regulate sleep cycles, to control anxiety levels and stress and consolidate the development of memory. In addition, it also acts as a hormone in the immune system and the digestive system. When any part of the body becomes infected, histamine triggers inflammatory defense symptoms such as skin irritation or sneezing.
9. Tachykinin
Tachykinin is one of the most important neurotransmitters. It is responsible for the maintenance of the autonomic nervous system. Specifically, it regulates involuntary functions such as digestion, breathing, or heartbeat. In short, tachykinin is responsible for the regulation of all those functions that we do not consciously control, but that are vital for our survival.
10. Wisteria
Glycine as a neurotransmitter allows it to make possible the communication between neurons and regulates motor driving. Furthermore, glycine is also an amino acid that synthesizes proteins and helps create and regenerate tissues and cell components.
The types of neurotransmitters can be classified into excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitters. The classification of neurotransmitters can also be done according to their chemical composition and the function they perform.
- Amino acids: these are organic compounds that represent a large number of functions in the body and combine to form proteins. They are basically responsible for maintaining energy and oxygen, which is why they are considered essential for the processing of metabolism.
- Purinas: they are chemical compounds that are mainly responsible for transporting information acting as chemical messengers.
- Gases: It is one of the most important chemical compounds, since it performs multiple functions, such as, for example, that it is the largest vasodilator compound in the entire body.
- Peptides: they are a set of amino acids that are distributed throughout the membrane that covers the brain and are responsible for emitting a response to the outside.
- Esters: they are organic compounds derived from petroleum. Within this group of neurotransmitters, is acetylcholine, which is an excitatory-type neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine can sometimes also carry out some inhibitory function.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
