Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, and norepinephrine. Individuals who are involved in extreme sports, such as rock climbing, generally have low levels of MAO and therefore, higher - than - normal levels of these neurotransmitters.
Dopamine and serotonin are linked to pleasurable feelings. Norepinephrine is released in the flight - or - fight response. One hypothesis for why individuals participate in extreme sports is that in order for individuals with high resting levels of these neurotransmitters to achieve a pleasurable sensation, they require a greater surge of these chemicals than do other people.
The site of the neural pathway where MAO is active is
Question 19 options:
synaptic cleft
Schwaan cell
cell body
axon