Neurotransmitters and their Functions

Neurotransmitters and their Functions

            Neurotransmitters are internally produced chemicals that endow neurotransmission. Neurotransmission is similarly called synaptic transmission which is a biological process in which a neuron is in constant communication with a specific cell through a synapse. Neurotransmission is important for communication processes between neurons. According to Cossins (2006), the working or process of synaptic transmission can be simplified into four steps, the initial step being synthesizing and storing of the neurotransmitters in vesicles for the ability of the cell to pass any action potential arriving at the end of the nerves. Secondly, upon arrival of the action potential at the endpoint, there must be a quick and efficient release of the neurotransmitter from the terminal to the synaptic cleft.  There must be recognition of the neurotransmitter by selected receptors on the postsynaptic cell for purposes of passing the signal and initiation another action potential. After recognition, there must be inactivation of the neurotransmitter to avoid continuous occupation of the receptor site. This avoids permanent stimulation of the postsynaptic cell. Inactivation also freezes the receptor site to enable them to receive extra neurotransmitters in case of arrival of an additional action potential.

According to Cossins (2006), acetylcholine is a chemical, organic in nature that acts in the brain and also in bodies of humans as well as animals as a neurotransmitter. It motors neurons specifically those of the nervous system release for muscles activation.it is also a neurotransmitter in the vegetative nervous system and works as a neuromodulator as well.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that aid in controlling the brain’s prize and pleasure points. Similarly, it limits movement as well as emotional reaction. It also enables one to visualize rewards and move to where they are. Serotonin, on the other hand, is used to transmit messages between nerve cells which active in constriction of smooth muscles. Also, it is concerned with appetite and autonomic procedures. Abicht, (2012).

Endorphins is a term used to refer to a chemical substance called opiate peptides which involves feelings of indulgence or the state of being pleased, sexually or sensual as well as pain relief. It promotes some sense of perfect happiness (Tamás 2003).

Glutamate is used to refer to the negatively charged ion off glutamic acid. Among its role as a neurotransmitter is used to transfer signals to other cells. Glutamate is associated with the part of the part of the mental function that deals with the logic i.e. learning process and memory processes of the brain.

According to Links (2018), gaba, similarly known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that aid message transmission to and from the brain and the nervous system whose main function is the reduction of the activity of the nerve cells thereby creating a calming effect, reducing phobia and uneasiness by decreasing neural activity (Larry 2013).

References

• Links R. “what is Gaba?” 2018, pg. 1
• Abicht, A.et al. (2012). “Congenital myasthenic syndromes: Achievements and limitations of phenotype-guided gene-after-gene sequencing in diagnostic practice: A study of 680 patients”. Human Mutation. Pg. 1474
• Cossins, J. et al. (2006). “Diverse molecular mechanisms involved in AChR deficiency due to rapsyn mutations”.  Pg.129
• , Tamás F et.al, (2003). “Role of Endogenous Cannabinoids in Synaptic Signaling”. Physiological Reviews.  1017
• Larry S. (2013). Fundamental neuroscience(4th ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic Press. pg. 133