Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Answer 1

Enables muscle action, learning, and memory

With Alzheimer’s disease, ACh-producing neurons deteriorate.

Question 2

Dopamine

Answer 2

Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion

Oversupply linked to schizophrenia. Undersupply linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson’s disease.

Question 3

Serotonin

Answer 3

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal

Undersupply linked to depression. Some drugs that raise serotonin levels are used to treat depression.

Question 4

Norepinephrine

Answer 4

Helps control alertness and arousal

Undersupply can depress mood.

Question 5

Gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Answer 5

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter

Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia.

Question 6

Glutamate

Answer 6

A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory

Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or seizures (which is why some people avoid MSG, monosodium glutamate, in food).

Question 7

Endorphins

Answer 7

Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure

Oversupply with opiate drugs can suppress the body’s natural endorphin supply.