3.1.2 Neurotransmitters

• What are neurotransmitters?

  Chemical substances
• Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron to continue the signal.
• An example of an excitatory neurotransmitter is glutamate
• What is the function of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Reduce neuron firing
• Neurotransmitters transmit signals at the synapse.
• Steps of neuronal communication

  1️⃣ Electrical impulse travels down the axon

  2️⃣ Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft

  3️⃣ Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
• Low levels of serotonin are associated with increased aggression
• What role does dopamine play in aggression?

  Dysregulation contributes
• Serotonin is an excitatory neurotransmitter.

  False
• Match the neurotransmitter with its role in aggression:

  Serotonin ↔️ Inhibits aggression

  Dopamine ↔️ Dysregulation linked to aggression
• Studies have shown that lower serotonin levels are linked to more aggressive behavior.
• Serotonin inhibits aggression by reducing activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala
• What is the impact of dopamine on aggression when its dysregulated?

  Increases aggression
• Low levels of serotonin impair impulse control.
• How does serotonin influence aggression according to the study material?

  Reduces prefrontal cortex activity
• Dopamine dysregulation can lead to aggression by enhancing pleasure-seeking behavior.
• Match the neurotransmitter with its mechanism and impact on aggression:

  Serotonin ↔️ Inhibits prefrontal cortex and amygdala activity, reduces aggression

  Dopamine ↔️ Enhances reward and emotional response, increases aggression
• What study by Mann et al. (1996) found regarding serotonin levels in aggressive individuals?

  Lower serotonin metabolites
• Dopamine stimulants can exacerbate aggressive tendencies.
• Steps in neuronal communication at a synapse:

  1️⃣ Electrical impulse travels down the axon

  2️⃣ Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft

  3️⃣ Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
• Low levels of serotonin are associated with increased aggression
• What role does dopamine play in aggression according to the study material?

  Dysregulation can increase it
• Serotonin inhibits aggression by reducing activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
• Dysregulation of dopamine can lead to aggression through pleasure-seeking and increased emotional responses
• What specific neurotransmitter metabolite did Mann et al. (1996) find lower levels of in aggressive individuals?

  Serotonin metabolites
• Empirical evidence supports the link between low serotonin levels and increased aggression.
• Aggression is influenced by multiple neurotransmitters and neural circuits
• What practical application of the neurotransmitter theory is mentioned in the study material?

  Medication to increase serotonin
• The neurotransmitter theory of aggression fully accounts for social and cultural factors.

  False