Neurotransmitters: Classification, Types and Functions 

Neurotransmitters: Classification, Types and Functions
In this video, I have explained the types of neurotransmitters and I have made them as easy and as comprehensible as possible.
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00:00 - [ Intro]
00:20 - [ introduction ]
0:21 - [definition of neurotransmitters ]
01:10 - [Classification of Neurotransmitters ]
02:54 - [Types of Neurotransmitters ]
03:34 - [Amino Acids ]
05:35 - [ Peptides ]
07:09 - [Monoamines ]
11:01 - Purines ]
12:10 - [ Gasotransmitters ]
12:25 - [Acetylcholine ]
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Neurotransmitters: Classification, Types and Functions
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body. Their job is to transmit signals from nerve cells to target cells. Communication between two neurons happens in the synaptic cleft (the small gap between the synapses of neurons). Here, electrical signals that have travelled along the axon are briefly converted into chemical ones through the release of neurotransmitters, causing a specific response in the receiving neuron.
A neurotransmitter influences a neuron in one of three ways: excitatory, inhibitory or modulatory.
Classification of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters can be classified by their function:
• Excitatory neurotransmitters: These types of neurotransmitters have excitatory effects on the neuron, meaning they increase the likelihood that the neuron will fire an action potential. So basically, encourage a target cell to take action. Some of the major excitatory neurotransmitters include epinephrine and norepinephrine.
• Inhibitory neurotransmitters: These types of neurotransmitters have inhibitory effects on the neuron; they decrease the likelihood that the neuron will fire an action potential. So, basically they decrease the chances of the target cell taking action. Some[ of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters include serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Modulatory neurotransmitters: These neurotransmitters, often referred to as neuromodulators, are capable of affecting a larger number of neurons at the same time. These neuromodulators also influence the effects of other chemical messengers.
Types and Functions of Neurotransmitters
There are a number of different ways to classify and categorize neurotransmitters. the most common way to divide them up by their molecular structure into amino acids, peptides, monoamines and others. Neurotransmitters can also be categorized into one of six types:
Amino Acids
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA):
Functional classification: inhibitory chemical messenger
Location: brain regions: hippocampus, thalamus, basal ganglia, hypothalamus, and brain steam.
Functions
• Its main functions are to regulate anxiety, vision, and motor control.
Symptoms of lack/ excess
• Lack causes poor impulse control
• Lack causes brain seizures
• Lack causes bipolar disorder and mania.
• If there is too much GABA, however, this could result in hypersomnia (oversleeping) and a lack of energy.
Glutamate:
Functional classification: Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter
Location: found in the central nervous system in the neurons and the glia
Functions
supports cognitive functions such as memory formation and learning.
Symptoms of lack/ excess
• If there is an excess amount of glutamate, this could result in excitotoxicity - meaning that neurons are killed due to overactivations of glutamate receptors this could lead to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and epilepsy.
• If there are not enough glutamate, this could result in psychosis, insomnia, concentration problems, mental exhaustion, or even death.
Peptides
Oxytocin:
Functional classification: Excitatory and Inhibitory neurotransmitters
Location: This powerful hormone acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is produced by the hypothalamus
Functions
plays a role in social recognition, bonding, and sexual reproduction.
Synthetic oxytocin such as Pitocin is often used as an aid in labor and delivery. Both oxytocin and Pitocin cause the uterus to contract during labor.
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