Module 1.3A Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Acetylcholine

Answer 1

Function: Enables muscle action, learning, and memory.
Examples: With Alzheimer’s disease, Ash-producing neurons deteriorate.

Question 2

Dopamine

Answer 2

Function: Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion.
Examples: Oversupply -> Schizophrenia, Undersupply->Tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson’s Disease.

Question 3

Serotonin

Answer 3

Function: Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal
Examples: Undersupply-> Depression, some drugs which raise serotonin levels are used to treat depression.

Question 4

Norepinephrine

Answer 4

Function: Helps control alertness and arousal
Examples: Undersupply -> Depress Mood.

Question 5

GABA

Answer 5

Function: A major inhibitory neurotransmitter
Examples: Undersupply-> Linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia.

Question 6

Glutamate

Answer 6

Function: A major inhibitory neurotransmitter; involved in memory.
Examples: Oversupply-> Can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or seizures.

Question 7

Endorphins

Answer 7

Function: Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure
Examples: Oversupply (With opioid drugs) -> Can suppress the body’s natural endorphin supply.