What are the different roles of neurotransmitters in the body?

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in facilitating communication between nerve cells, or neurons, within the body. These chemical messengers transmit signals across the synapses, the junctions between neurons. Different neurotransmitters have distinct functions and play various roles in the body. For example, dopamine is involved in regulating pleasure, reward, and motivation. Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and memory. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuron excitability, playing a role in anxiety reduction. Glutamate, on the other hand, is an excitatory neurotransmitter that enhances neuron activity and is involved in learning and memory. By maintaining a delicate balance of neurotransmitters, the body can regulate various physiological processes, including cognition, emotion, movement, and overall homeostasis.

This mind map was published on 20 December 2023 and has been viewed 37 times.