The nervous system is involved in all the activities we do and what happens inside us. A fundamental part of our awareness of all this are the neurotransmitters, which are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.
Thanks to its functions, the body can regulate all the processes that occur in it, both on a physiological level, cognitively and even on an emotional level, being a very important part for the regulation of functions and comprehensive well-being.
What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced in the body; Specifically, these are biomolecules, whose function is the transmission of information. This process is carried out through intercellular junctions, which are known as synapses.
The function of neurotransmitters is to stimulate or inhibit the activity produced in the postsynaptic cell, which translates into an increase or decrease in its functions depending on the receptors. These are, therefore, fundamental substances for our existence, which are even determining factors for the appearance of all cognitive processes.
Types of neurotransmitters
According to Carlson (2005), we can classify the different existing neurotransmitters following different criteria; If we follow the criterion of the function they fulfill within the synapse, we find two types of neurotransmitters:
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- Inhibitors: As their name indicates, they inhibit the depolarization of the postsynaptic cell, decreasing its function.
- Exciters: This type of neurotransmitter fulfills the function of depolarizing the postsynaptic cell, stimulating it.
But there are more classifications; Thus, they can also be classified according to typology or substance. In this second classification we find:
- Amines: They are derived from different amino acids, such as tryptophan. Within this group we find: dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
- Amino acids: These are directly amino acids (they are not derived from another substance), such as glutamate, GABA; glycine and aspartate.
- Purines: Purines are substances that act as chemical messengers, such as adenosine or ATP.
- Gases: Nitric oxide is the main neurotransmitter of this group.
- Peptides: They are substances found throughout the brain, and include endorphins, endorphins, and tachykinins.
- Esters: Finally there are the esters, among which we find acetylcholine, for example.
We find many neurotransmitters, but some that stand out for their importance are, for example:
- Dopamine
Also following Carlson (2005) and Cede (Gómez, 2012), dopamine is one of the best-known neurotransmitters, and many people know it as “the neurotransmitter of happiness”; This is due to its relationship with general well-being, since among its functions is the sensation of pleasure, although it is also involved in addictive behaviors.
But its functions are not only limited to the presence or absence of the sensation of being happy and feeling full, as it also plays a very important role in the coordination of movements as it is directly related to the musculoskeletal system.
In addition, dopamine is closely involved in the processes of memory, attention and learning, because it favors communication between neurons thanks to its depolarizing effect.
- Adrenalin
It is one of the most important and determining neurotransmitters for our survival, as it is responsible for activating our body in stressful situations, in order to help it preserve its health and safety.
Among their functions is maintaining a state of alert and being able to pay attention to all the details to prevent any imminent danger. It also helps the body prepare to flee or fight, as the case may be.
In this sense, it is responsible for inhibiting functions that are not necessary to stay safe, such as the digestive process, while it stimulates physical aspects that can be of great help to stay safe, such as the acceleration of heart rate and blood pressure. breathing, dilation of the pupils, among others.
- Glutamate
Glutamate is one of the neurotransmitters with the greatest presence in the brain synapse, as it is estimated that it has an incidence between 80 and 90%, fulfilling a key function in the memory process and its recovery. In addition, it is the stimulant neurotransmitter par excellence.
Its main function is as a mediator of all the information that is received and directed from all areas (internal and external). It is responsible for stimulating mental processes and intervenes in the management of motor, sensory, cognitive and even emotional information.
Although it is one of the most important neurotransmitters, when found in high doses it is harmful to health, even toxic. Glutamate in large quantities is responsible for various pathologies, among which strokes and epilepsy stand out.
- Serotonin
Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the most important neurotransmitters for the correct functioning of the entire body and even cognitive functions, as it is a key substance for the synapses of the brain, being related to different functions, such as case of glutamate. It is synthesized from tryptophan, an amino acid that we must obtain through our diet.
Its main function is to be the regulator of other neurotransmitters, being closely involved in the regulation of stress and anxiety, promoting the recovery of the body. It controls the digestive process and also appetite and body temperature.
In addition, serotonin is responsible for regulating sleep cycles and appetite. It is also responsible for regulating moods, and also influences the increase or decrease in sexual desire.
As a summary
As we have seen, neurotransmitters are chemical substances created by our brain that are responsible for transmitting electrical signals, which translates into information. This information travels from one neuron to another, through synapses, which is the brain signal par excellence.
There are different types of transmitters, and each one fulfills a series of specific functions. Without neurotransmitters, our brain would not function correctly and we would not be able to move, think, feel, act, understand… Therefore, they are the key piece of our central nervous system.
References:
- Carlson, N. R. (2005). Behavioral physiology. Madrid: Pearson Education.
- Gómez, M. (2012). Psychobiology. CEDE PIR Preparation Manual.12. CEDE: Madrid.