Neurovälittäjä

Neurovälittäjä, also known as a neurotransmitter, is a chemical messenger that transmits signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. Neurons are nerve cells that form the basis of the nervous system. When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, called the axon terminal, it triggers the release of neurovälittäjä into the synaptic cleft, the small gap between neurons.

These chemical messengers then bind to specific receptors on the membrane of the next neuron, the dendrite. This binding can either excite or inhibit the receiving neuron, influencing whether it will fire its own electrical impulse. This process is fundamental to all nervous system functions, including thought, emotion, movement, and sensation.

There are many different types of neurovälittäjä, each with its own unique function and distribution in the brain and body. Examples include dopamine, which is associated with reward and motivation; serotonin, which plays a role in mood and sleep; acetylcholine, which is involved in muscle contraction and memory; and norepinephrine, which is linked to the body's "fight or flight" response. The precise balance and interaction of these neurovälittäjä are crucial for maintaining proper neurological function. Imbalances in neurovälittäjä levels or signaling are implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.