Types of Neurotransmitters and Their Functions Explained
Human functioning comprises many intricate systems. For example, the nervous system has numerous types of signaling systems providing communication between the brain and the body. Neurotransmitters are part of this complex signaling system and function as chemical messengers that facilitate the transfer of information from one neuron to another by way of chemical transmission, or via Synaptic Transmission. The right combination of neurotransmitters is necessary for all fluids, cells and organs in the human body to work together and achieve balance (homeostasis).
In this resource, we will explore the four primary classifications of neuro-transmitters, their specific functions and applications and how they relate to an individual’s overall health.
Table of Content:
- What are Neurotransmitters?
- Main Categories of Neurotransmitters
- Major Types of Neurotransmitters and Their Roles
Importance of Neurotransmitter Balance
Factors that affect neurotransmitter function include multiple biological and lifestyle factors:
- Conclusion
What are Neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers produced by neurons, that communicate with neurons that are adjacent to them by releasing these chemical messengers from their terminals. The process of how neurotransmitters are released involves the binding of this neurotransmitter to a receptor site on an adjacent cell, which activates a cellular response and ultimately changes the state of that adjacent cell. Each of the four classifications of neurotransmitters have very different chemical structures and their own unique functional effects, but they all have the power to influence one or more aspects of an individual’s human experience (mood, memory, sleep, motor/exercise function, heart rate, etc.). There is extensive regulation of neurotransmitters within the human body, ensuring that all chemicals, fluids and organs function properly together and that the cellular communication systems remain balanced and healthy.
Main Categories of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters can be categorized into three main groups based on their functions: excitatory neurotransmitters, inhibitory neurotransmitters, and modulatory neurotransmitters.
Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the probability that a neuron will fire (send a signal) and play an important role in alertness, learning and memory.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Inhibitory neurotransmitters lower brain cell activity, allowing the nervous system to relax instead of becoming too active or agitated.
Modulatory Neurotransmitters
Modulatory neurotransmitters do not either directly trigger or block a signal, but rather modulate how a neuron functions and subsequently influence brain activity overall.
Understanding these three groups of neurotransmitters helps to understand how different chemicals (regardless of the category) work together to maintain a state of balance within the body.
Major Types of Neurotransmitters and Their Roles
Of the three groups of neurotransmitters, there are many types of neurotransmitters that serve various functions. Briefly describe several of the main types of neurotransmitters, along with what they do and how they influence your ability to either physically act or think.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is well-known and widely studied and is the main immune-modulating neurotransmitter found in the peripheral and central nervous systems and has a primary function of allowing messages from nerve cells to other nerve cells, as well as to muscles and within the central nervous system.
Acetylcholine has many important functions, including:
- Muscle activity.
- Memory and learning.
- Alertness.
Acetylcholine levels have direct effects on cognitive functioning as well as your ability to move.
Dopamine
Dopamine is the most studied neurotransmitter and is involved in regulating motivation, emotions, and movement control. Dopamine allows the brain to know how to react to pleasurable or rewarding experiences and actions that have an end goal.
Some of the most important functions of dopamine include:
- The motivation/reward pathway.
- Motor function.
- Attention and decision-making.
If an individual has too much or too little dopamine, his/her mood, behaviour, and coordination can be negatively affected.
Serotonin
Serotonin is mainly known for its role in mood; however, it is also involved in a number of body processes.
These include:
- Mood regulation and emotional balance
- Sleep cycle support
- Appetite and digestive function
When our serotonin levels are balanced, we feel well emotionally from an overall perspective.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA):
As the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain, GABA serves to calm the nervous system by decreasing excessive activity within the nervous system.
Function of GABA:
- Providing a feeling of relaxation
- Decreasing anxiety-related activity
- Allowing the brain to function in a stable state.
Maintaining adequate levels of GABA in the body is critical to avoiding overstimulation.
Glutamate:
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter and is crucial for cognitive function.
Function of glutamate:
- Assisting in learning and memory
- Assisting with brain development
- Enhancing the transmission of signals between neurons
Due to the extremely stimulating nature of glutamate, we have to regulate its levels carefully.
Norepinephrine:
Also known as noradrenaline, norepinephrine plays a key role in your body’s response to stress and alerting you to the present moment.
Function of Norepinephrine:
- Increasing attention and focus.
- Regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
- Preparing the body for an immediate response.
It assists in how the body reacts to outward stimuli.
Endorphins
Natural chemicals known as endorphins serve to manage pain and produce a feeling of well-being.
Endorphins perform the following functions: decrease the perception of pain; provide emotional balance; and are released during exercise and as a result of stress.
Additionally, endorphins are associated with comfort or relief.
Histamine
Histamine can function as both a neurotransmitter and be involved in the immune system.
- Histamine’s functions include:
- regulating the sleep-wake cycle
- influencing appetite
- supporting the immune response.
Also, histamine aids in maintaining alertness when a person is awake.
Importance of Neurotransmitter Balance
A variety of types of chemical messengers contribute to the correct functioning of the brain, however, if the balance of these messengers becomes disrupted, both mental and physical health could be affected.
The following are examples of how an imbalance in the chemical/balance may affect mental health:
- A person with low levels of calming neurotransmitters may have an increased response to stress.
- Mood and concentration can be negatively affected by a reduction in the levels of certain neurotransmitters.
- A third example is that increased stimulation may disrupt a person’s ability to sleep or think clearly.
To understand how an imbalance in chemical balance may impact everyday life, it is important to understand the types of neurotransmitters and their respective functions.
Factors that affect neurotransmitter function include multiple biological and lifestyle factors:
- Diet – adequate nutrition (amino acids) is important for the formation of neurotransmitters.
- Sleep – lack of sleep impacts the chemical balance of a person.
- Stress – chronic stress can disrupt neurotransmitter function.
- Exercise – regular physical activity supports healthy brain function.
These four factors, as well as others, play an important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle which established proper pathways of communication throughout the body’s nervous system.
Conclusion
In the body are many types of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that allow for communication between all of the nerve cells. They assist in processing information and function to maintain many aspects of internal balance, such as coordination, memory, emotion, and sleep. Through neurotransmitter coordination, the brain successfully sends signals to the entire body. The understanding of the many different types of neurotransmitters can help you appreciate how the body uses brain chemicals to manage physical and emotional processes. Having an understanding of neurotransmitter function will help you understand the importance of good neurological health as well.
