Changes

Neuropeptides are constructed of around 3 - 40 amino 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.  

Neuropeptides are constructed of around 3 - 40 amino 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.  

==Small-Molecule Neurotransmitters==

===Small-Molecule Neurotransmitters===

There are two major sub-groups of SMTs; '''amino acids''' and '''biogenic amines'''. All SMTs play an important role within the central nervous system with the exception of acetylcholine and norepinephrine which both are important within the peripheral nervous system.

There are two major sub-groups of SMTs; '''amino acids''' and '''biogenic amines'''. All SMTs play an important role within the central nervous system with the exception of acetylcholine and norepinephrine which both are important within the peripheral nervous system.

====Amino Acids====

===Amino Acids===

Amino acid '''glutamate''' is the most common '''excitatory''' SMT in the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Central Nervous System (CNS)|central nervous system]] whilst '''gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)''' is the most common '''inhibitory''' SMT. Other amino acid SMTs include '''aspartate''' and '''glycine'''.

Amino acid '''glutamate''' is the most common '''excitatory''' SMT in the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Central Nervous System (CNS)|central nervous system]] whilst '''gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)''' is the most common '''inhibitory''' SMT. Other amino acid SMTs include '''aspartate''' and '''glycine'''.

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 its depolarisation threshold and generate an action potential. Due to this, '''Glutamate''' is classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter.  

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 its depolarisation threshold and generate an action potential. Due to this, '''Glutamate''' is classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter.  

 

'''Glycine''' is present in the spinal cord and is crucial for limb movement; in particular the motor function associated with limb reflexes. 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 its depolarisation threshold to generate an action potential, thus classed as inhibitory.

'''Glycine''' is present in the spinal cord and is crucial for limb movement; in particular the motor function associated with limb reflexes. 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 its depolarisation threshold to generate an action potential.

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