Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Answer 1

Enables muscle control, learning, and memory. With Alzheimer’s disease, ACh-producing neurons deteriorate.

Question 2

Dopamine

Answer 2

Influences pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. 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

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

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.

Question 7

Endorphins

Answer 7

Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure

Question 8

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Answer 8

Neurotransmitters that make it more likely the next neuron will fire

Question 9

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Answer 9

Neurotransmitters that make it less likely the next neuron will fire