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Neurotransmitters - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 16:01, 23 August 2011
, 16:01, 23 August 2011→Amino Acids
===Small-Molecule Neurotransmitters===
===Small-Molecule Neurotransmitters===
====Amino Acids====
====Amino Acids====
'''Glycine''' is responsible for spinal reflexes and some motor functions.
When '''glutamate''' is released it facilitates the opening of sodium channels within the post-synaptic membrane allowing sodium ions to enter the membrane and causing depolarisation. Therefore '''glutamate''' makes it easier for the cell to reach it's depolarisation threshold and generate an action potential. '''Glutamate'' is therefore classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter.
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'''Glycine''' is responsible for spinal reflexes and some motor functions. When both '''glycine''' and '''GABA''' are released they result in the opening of chloride ion channels within the post synaptic membrane resulting in the membrane becoming hyperpolarised. The cytosolic side of the membrane becomes more negative. Therefore both neurotransmitters make it more difficult for the cell to reach it's depolarisation threshold to generate an action potential.
====Biogenic Amines====
====Biogenic Amines====
'''Epinephrine''' is produced by the adrenal glands. It is primarily involved in an overall activation of the sympathetic nervous system and is involved in the management of stress. '''Norepinephrine''' is also produced by adrenal glands and is involved in the initiation and maintainence of conciousness within the sympathetic nervous system. '''Dopamine''' is involved in motivation as well as love and addiction. '''Serotonin''' is involved in emotions, conciousness, sleep and thermoregulation. '''Melatonin''' is responsible for the regulation of onset of sleep and also for seasonal changes in the body such as winter weight gain and mating seasons. '''Histamine''' release results in increased gastric secretions, dilation of capillaries, constriction of bronchial smooth muscle and decreased blood pressure.
'''Epinephrine''' is produced by the adrenal glands. It is primarily involved in an overall activation of the sympathetic nervous system and is involved in the management of stress. '''Norepinephrine''' is also produced by adrenal glands and is involved in the initiation and maintainence of conciousness within the sympathetic nervous system. '''Dopamine''' is involved in motivation as well as love and addiction. '''Serotonin''' is involved in emotions, conciousness, sleep and thermoregulation. '''Melatonin''' is responsible for the regulation of onset of sleep and also for seasonal changes in the body such as winter weight gain and mating seasons. '''Histamine''' release results in increased gastric secretions, dilation of capillaries, constriction of bronchial smooth muscle and decreased blood pressure.