Neurotransmitters and what do they do

Question 1

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Think of A and C words?

Answer 1

Involved in muscle contraction, learning, and memory.

1. Muscle Contraction: Acetylcholine is essential for signaling between nerve cells and muscles, facilitating muscle contractions. This is vital for motor control and movement.

2. Memory and Learning: ACh is implicated in memory and learning processes. It is involved in the formation of new memories and is crucial for cognitive functions.

3. Attention and Arousal: Acetylcholine contributes to the regulation of attention and arousal levels. It plays a role in promoting wakefulness and alertness.

4. REM Sleep: ACh is associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a phase of the sleep cycle linked to dreaming and memory consolidation.

5. Cortical Function: ACh is important for cortical functions, influencing higher cognitive processes such as thinking, reasoning, and perception.

Acetylcholine plays a crucial role in both muscle contraction and cognitive functions by acting as a chemical messenger. In muscle contraction, it enables the transmission of signals from motor neurons to muscle fibers, leading to muscle movement. In cognitive functions, ACh modulates attention, learning, and memory by affecting synaptic plasticity and neuronal activity in the brain. The processes are tightly regulated by enzymes like acetylcholinesterase and feedback mechanisms to ensure proper functioning.

Question 2

Dopamine:

Answer 2

Stimulation of reward centers in the brain

Plays a role in pleasure, reward, motivation, and motor control.

Amino Acid needed Tyrosine

Question 3

Serotonin:

Answer 3

Elevated Mood

Regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and social behavior.

Amino Acids needed: Tryptophan

Question 4

Norepinephrine (noradrenaline):

Answer 4

Affects alertness, arousal, and stress response.

Question 5

Epinephrine (adrenaline):

Answer 5

Involved in the fight-or-flight response, increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles.

Question 6

Glutamate:

Answer 6

Acts as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, involved in learning and memory.

Question 7

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA):

Answer 7

Acts as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, regulates anxiety and stress.

Question 8

Endorphins:

Answer 8

Natural painkillers and mood enhancers, released during exercise and other pleasurable activities.

Question 9

Histamine:

Answer 9

Involved in immune response, allergic reactions, and regulation of sleep-wake cycles.

Question 10

Oxytocin:

Answer 10

Regulates social bonding, trust, and emotional responses.

Question 11

Adenosine:

Answer 11

Regulates sleep and wakefulness, involved in relaxation

Question 12

Nitric Oxide:

Answer 12

Involved in vasodilation and neurotransmission in the brain.

Question 13

What are nuerotransmitters

Answer 13

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses in the nervous system

Question 14

Neuropeptide Y (NPY):

Answer 14

Regulates appetite, stress response, and cardiovascular function.

Question 15

Substance P:

Answer 15

Involved in pain perception and inflammatory processes.

Question 16

Neurotensin:

Answer 16

Modulates neurotransmission, appetite, and stress responses.

Question 17

Enkephalins:

Answer 17

Endogenous opioids that regulate pain perception and mood.

Question 18

Dynorphins:

Answer 18

Another group of endogenous opioids involved in pain modulation.

Question 19

Anandamide:

Answer 19

A type of endocannabinoid neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and pain perception.

Question 20

Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone):

Answer 20

Regulates water retention and blood pressure, also involved in social behavior and stress response.

Question 21

Orexin (Hypocretin):

Answer 21

Regulates wakefulness, appetite, and energy expenditure

Question 22

Neuromodulin:

Answer 22

A calcium-binding protein that modulates neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity.

Question 23

Cholecystokinin (CCK):

Answer 23

Involved in digestion, satiety, and anxiety regulation

Answer 24

Functions
Acetylcholine:
Nicotinic in muscle cells uses sodium channels
Excitatory muscarinic used in brain for cognition and memory
Excitatory and inhibitory used in autonomic nervous system

Gaba-inhibitory in CNS (intracranial)
Glycine=inhibitory in spinal cord- via strychnine receptors

Glutamate- most common excitatory NT in CNS (learning and memory through NMDA)

Norepinephrine – focus on excitatory
-role in autonomic nervous system, and limbic and cortical functions
Serotonin: 5HT1 receptor in mood disorders

Question 25

What amino acids are needed to make Serotonin, Dopamine and GABA.

Answer 25

Serotonin: Tryptophan also helps make Vitamin B3
- A way to remember it end with -N; niaciN tryptophaN
Dopamine: Tyrosine
- A way to remember it rhymes Dopamine and Tyrosine
GABA: Glutamate