Neurotransmitters: Behaviors and Disturbances

Question 1

acetocholine

Answer 1

excitatory
behaviors:
• released by motor neurons: controls voluntary muscle contractions
•CNS: memory, wakefulness, attentiveness, motivation
disturbances:
• high levels- muscle contractions/convulsions; low levels- immobility and lethargy

Question 2

dopamine

Answer 2

both inhibitory and excitatory
behaviors:
• focus and motivation, regulates movement and posture, modulates mood, involved in rewarding behavior
disturbances:
• in reward centers: major role in addiction/addictive behavior
• high levels- Parkinson’s; low levels- schizophrenia

Question 3

norepinephrine

Answer 3

excitatory
behaviors:
•main: activating fight/flight response; alertness, arousal (awakening), and readiness for action
• regulation of mood, attention, formation and retrieval of memories
disturbances:
• low levels- ADHD and depression

Question 4

seratonin

Answer 4

inhibitory
behaviors:
• involved in regulation of body temperature, sleep, and wakefulness; regulates mood appetite, pain, and aggression
disturbances:
• low levels- OCD, eating disorders, depression; aggressive and impulsive behavior

Question 5

GABA

Answer 5

inhibitory
behaviors:
• regulates anxiety; motor control and vision
disturbances:
• low levels- anxiety disorders

Question 6

Glutamate

Answer 6

excitatory
behaviors:
• contributes to learning and memory
disturbances:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• may lead to schizophrenia

Question 7

endorphins

Answer 7

inhibitory
behaviors:
• naturally produces morphine; controls pain; regulates eating behavior and stress
disturbances:

Question 8

endorphins

Answer 8

inhibitory
behaviors:
• naturally produces morphine; controls pain; regulates eating behavior and stress

• can be addictive; with opiate abuse, suppresses natural supply of endorphins