describe neurotransmitters in terms of what they are, their general function within the body, and their impact on behavior. discuss the connection between neurons and neurotransmitters. pick two neurotransmitters and discuss their general functions in our bodies. also discuss each neurotransmitter’s connection with disease or disorders. does a neurotransmitter problem cause the disease, or does the disease cause a neurotransmitter problem? in other words, what might be the relationship between transmitter function or effectiveness and a particular disease or disorder?
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Causal relationships between disease/disorders and neural changes can go in either direction, depending on the problem. What type of problems are you considering? What neurotransmitters are you considering?
•Describe neurotransmitters. Explain what they are, their function within the body, and their impact on behavior.
•Describe neurotransmitters. Explain what they are, their function within the body, and their impact on behavior.
•Describe the connection between neurons and neurotransmitters.
•Choose two neurotransmitters and discuss their function within the body. Discuss both neurotransmitters’ connection with disease and disorders. Include aspects of the diseases. Address the following question:
◦Does a neurotransmitter problem cause the disease, or does the disease cause a problem with the neurotransmitter?
◦What is the relationship between transmitter function and a particular disease or disorder?
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit signals within the nervous system. They play a crucial role in communication between neurons, which are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. Neurotransmitters are released from one neuron, travel across a tiny gap called the synapse, and bind to receptors on another neuron to transmit the signal.
The general function of neurotransmitters is to facilitate the transmission of signals between neurons. They are involved in processes such as memory, learning, mood regulation, motor control, and various other physiological functions. Their impact on behavior can be significant since they can influence emotions, cognition, and overall brain activity.
There are numerous neurotransmitters in our bodies, but let's discuss two key examples:
1. Serotonin: Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. It helps to stabilize and improve our mood, and low serotonin levels are associated with depression. Disorders such as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders have been linked to imbalances or dysfunctions in serotonin transmission.
2. Dopamine: Dopamine is associated with motivation, pleasure, and reward. It plays a role in various cognitive processes, including attention and learning. In the case of Parkinson's disease, there is a progressive loss of dopamine-producing cells in a specific region of the brain, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. Additionally, imbalances in dopamine function have been implicated in conditions like schizophrenia, where there can be an excess or dysregulation of dopamine activity.
The relationship between neurotransmitter dysfunction and diseases or disorders is complex and not always fully understood. In some cases, a disease or disorder can cause problems with neurotransmitter function. For example, Parkinson's disease involves the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells, leading to a decrease in dopamine levels. In other cases, imbalances or dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems may contribute to the development of a disease or disorder. For instance, imbalances in serotonin transmission can contribute to the onset or severity of depression.
It's essential to note that neurotransmitter imbalances are not solely responsible for the development of diseases or disorders. They often interact with genetic, environmental, and other biological factors. Understanding the relationship between neurotransmitter function and specific diseases or disorders is an active area of research and can vary depending on the condition in question.