neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

• neurotransmitter?

  a chemical molecule that has an effect on one or two postsynaptic neurons
• inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential (e.g. GABA)
• excitatory neurotransmitters?

  increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential (e.g. glutamate)
• GABA?

  main inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows neural transmission and reduces arousal and anxiety
• Glutamate?

  main excitatory neurotransmitter which aids in fast transmission of neural information that is essential for memory formation
• neuromodulator?

  a chemical molecule that has an effect on multiple postsynaptic neurons
• dopamine?

  an excitatory neuromodulator primarily responsible for voluntary motor movement, the experience of pleasure, and reward-

  based learning
• serotonin?

  an inhibitory neuromodulator primarily responsible for

  the regulation of mood and sleep
• action potential?


  an electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron