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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

'''Neurotransmitters''' are chemicals that are used to relay, amplify and modulate signals between neurones and cells. They can be classified into two main groups; '''small-molecule transmitters (SMT)''' and '''neuropeptides'''. SMTs are synthesised within nerve terminals via enzymes that are produced within the cell body. Within most nerve junctions, the terminal membrane of the nerve contains numerous specific transport proteins that facilitate the transport of the majority of the SMTs back into the nerve terminal, effectively recycling the neurotransmitter. Neuropeptides are constructed of around 3 - 40 amio acid molecules that are synthesised within the cell body and are then transported to along the axon to the nerve terminal within vesicles running along microtubules. Neuropeptides are broken down by extracellular enzymes called '''peptidases''' once the neurotransmitter has been released. A small proportion of neuropeptides can bind to postsynaptic receptors in the nerve terminal membrane and can be taken up by endocytosis, although the degree of recycling of neuropeptides is lower than that of SMTs.  

'''Neurotransmitters''' are chemicals that are used to relay, amplify and modulate signals between neurones and cells. They can be classified into two main groups; '''small-molecule transmitters (SMT)''' and '''neuropeptides'''. SMTs are synthesised within nerve terminals via enzymes that are produced within the cell body. Within most nerve junctions, the terminal membrane of the nerve contains numerous specific transport proteins that facilitate the transport of the majority of the SMTs back into the nerve terminal, effectively recycling the neurotransmitter. Neuropeptides are constructed of around 3 - 40 amio acid molecules that are synthesised within the cell body and are then transported to along the axon to the nerve terminal within vesicles running along microtubules. Neuropeptides are broken down by extracellular enzymes called '''peptidases''' once the neurotransmitter has been released. A small proportion of neuropeptides can bind to postsynaptic receptors in the nerve terminal membrane and can be taken up by endocytosis, although the degree of recycling of neuropeptides is lower than that of SMTs.