Question

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

Neurotransmitter:

1. A neurotransmitter is a signaling chemical that a neuron secretes to influence neighboring cells across a synapse.
2. Any significant body component or target cell that receives the signal could be another neuron, but it could also be a gland or muscle cell.

Types:

1. Acetylcholine: The first neurotransmitter identified was acetylcholine (Ach). It is a tiny chemical with direct action that predominantly operates in muscles, assisting in the translation of our intentions to move into real actions as signals are transferred from neurons into muscle fibers.
2. Dopamine: It is known as the "pleasure molecule" because it is released when mammals receive a reward for their behavior, which might be food, drugs, or sex.
3. Glutamate: It is the most excitatory neurotransmitter in the cerebral cortex.