Synapses and Neurotransmitters. Psychology

Synapse

• Goes along axon through the synaptic vesicles then out to terminals
• Neurotransmitters cross the synapse and carry messages to the receptor sites of the receiving neuron
• 2 types: Inhibitory and Excitatory synapses

Neurotransmitters

• Affected by 2 types of chemicals:
• Antagonist
• Reduces or blocks certain neurotransmitters
• Agonist
• Enhances certain neurotransmitters
• Examples:
• Acetylcholine (ACh)
• Excitatory or inhibitory;
• Arousal, attention, memory, and controls muscle contractions
• Norepinephrine (NE)
• Mainly excitatory;
• Arousal and mood
• Dopamine (DA)
• Excitatory or inhibitory;
• Control of movement and sensations of pleasure
• Serotonin (5-HT)
• Excitatory or inhibitory;
• Sleep, mood, anxiety, and appetite
• Gaba-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
• Major inhibitory neurotransmitter;
• Sleep and inhibits movement
• Glutamate
• Major excitatory neurotransmitter;
• Learning, memory formation, nervous system development, and synaptic plasticity
• Endorphins
• Inhibitory neural regulators;
• Pain relief