#3 Neurotransmitters

• What are neurons?

  Specialised cells in the brain that carry messages through electrical impulses
• How do electrical impulses travel in neurons?

  They travel down the branches of the neuron and meet at the synapse
• What is the synapse?

  The junction where branches from different neurons meet
• What happens when an electrical message is sent along a neuron's branch?


  Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse to relay the message
• What are neurotransmitters?

  The brain's chemical messengers
• From where are neurotransmitters released?

  From the presynaptic vesicle in one neuron
• What do neurotransmitters do after being released?

  They cross the synaptic gap and stimulate or inhibit receptors in the other neuron
• How can an imbalance of neurotransmitters affect mental health?

  It can affect our emotions and mental health
• What can too much dopamine cause?


  Schizophrenia
• What can too little serotonin cause?


  Depression