Chemical Messengers

• Excitatory Neurotransmitters


  chemicals that increase the likelihood of an action potential
• Glutamate


  the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
• Inhibitory Neurotransmitters


  chemicals that decrease the likelihood of an action potential
• GABA


  primary inhibitory neurotransmitter (promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety)
• Dopamine


  regulates mood, reward, motivation, and movement
• Serotonin


  regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and stress
• Endorphins


  natural pain relievers and mood enhancers
• Adrenaline


  hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a role in the body's stress response
• Plasticity


  the brain's ability to reorganize in response to experiences
• Substance p

  transmits pain signals in the nervous system
• Acetylcholine


  plays a role in the Peripheral and Central Nervous System
• Hormones

  chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine systems that travels through the bloodstream
• Ghrelin


  hormone produced by the small intestine and stomach; stimulates appetite and promotes hunger
• Leptin


  produced by fat cells; regulates energy, balance, and appetite
• Melatonin


  hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and the circadian rhythm
• Oxytocin


  hormone/NT that plays a key role in bonding (think love)
• Norepinephrine


  functions as a neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates arousal, focus, and attention