Neurotranszmittert

Neurotranszmittert, often spelled neurotransmitter in English, are chemical messengers that transmit signals from a neuron across a synapse to a target cell, which can be another neuron, a muscle cell, or a gland cell. These molecules are crucial for virtually every function of the nervous system, from simple reflexes to complex cognitive processes like learning and memory.

The process begins when an electrical signal, or action potential, reaches the axon terminal of a neuron. This triggers the release of neurotransmitter molecules stored in vesicles into the synaptic cleft, the small gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic cell. These neurotransmitters then bind to specific receptors on the surface of the target cell.

The binding of a neurotransmitter to its receptor can have either an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the postsynaptic cell. Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood that the target cell will fire an action potential, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease this likelihood. The overall effect on the postsynaptic cell depends on the balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals it receives.

There are many different types of neurotransmitters, each with distinct roles. Some well-known examples include acetylcholine, which is involved in muscle contraction and learning; dopamine, associated with reward and motivation; serotonin, which influences mood and sleep; and glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The precise functioning of the nervous system relies on the intricate interplay and regulation of these chemical messengers.