Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Amino Acids

Answer 1

Glutamate
GABA

Question 2

Amines

Answer 2

Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine

Question 3

Peptides

Answer 3

Endorphins

Question 4

Glutamate

Answer 4

Important to memory, cognition, and mood regulation
SENT FROM: Everywhere!
SENT TO: Everywhere!
WHEN IT FUNCTIONS:
- Major excitatory neurotransmitter
- Critical to memory
WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS:
- Oversupply may lead to migraines or even seizures

Question 5

GABA

Answer 5

Slows down the brain
SENT FROM: Everywhere!
SENT TO: Everywhere!
WHEN IT FUNCTIONS:
- Major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain
WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS:
- Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, & insomnia
Alcohol acts on both GABA & Glutamate release

Question 6

Acetylcholine

Answer 6

SENT FROM: Basal Forebrain
SENT TO: Cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, skeletal muscles, PNS
WHEN IT FUNCTIONS: CNS - learning & memory; PNS - motor control & parasympathetic activity
WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS:
- Alzheimer’s disease occurs when Ach producing neurons deteriorate

Question 7

Dopamine

Answer 7

Gives us feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation
SENT FROM: Midbrain - VTA & SN
SENT TO : Cortex, basal ganglia, & nucleus accumbens (reward area of the brain)
WHEN IT FUNCTIONS: influences movement, learning, reward, attention, and emotion
WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS:
- Oversupply linked to schizophrenia
- Undersupply related to Parkinson’s

Question 8

Serotonin

Answer 8

Aids in mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, clotting, and libido
SENT FROM: Midbrain - Raphe Nuclei
SENT TO: Forebrain
WHEN IT FUNCTIONS: participates in mood, vision, sexual behavior, anxiety, hunger, sleep, & arousal
WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS: undersupply linked to depression, affected by psychedelic drugs
SSRIs: Used to produce more serotonin; combat mood disorders

Question 9

Norephinephrine

Answer 9

SENT FROM: Locus coeruleus & Lateral Tegmental Area (LTA)
SENT TO: Cortex, Limbic System, & Thalamic Nuclei
WHEN IT FUNCTIONS:
- Controls alertness, mood, & sexual behavior
WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS:
- Undersupply can lead to depressed mood

Question 10

Opioid Peptides

Answer 10

SENT FROM: Everywhere!
SENT TO: Everywhere, esp. Spinal Cords & PAG
WHEN IT FUNCTIONS:
- Influences perception of pain, thrill, sexual behavior, hunger, maternal care
WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS:
- Oversupply via opiate drugs can suppress critical functions like breathing and heart rate.