Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Answer 1

Excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the post-synaptic receptor.

CNS and PNS

Question 2

Glutamate (Glu)

Answer 2

Most common excitatory neurotransmitter found in the CNS

Involved in cognition, memory consolidation, and learning

Question 3

GABA

Answer 3

Synthesised from Glu

GABA is the most important and most common inhibitory
neurotransmitter found in the CNS.

It is involved in avoiding an “over-excitation” of neurons, playing a role in inhibitory control.

Question 4

Melatonin (MEL)

Answer 4

Produced in the adenohypophysis and EPT

Responsible for modulating sleep-wake cycles

Impacts the immunological system

Question 5

Dopamine (DA)

Answer 5

Produce in SN and VTA

Modulate the “search for reward” system, regulating motor activity, mood, motivation and attention

Question 6

Epinephrine (EPI) (Adrenaline)

Answer 6

Produced peripherally in SRG

Increase the irrigation of certain muscles, heart rate and blood sugar levels as also the diameter of the pupils

(Produce as a stress response)

Question 7

Norepinephrine (NE)

Answer 7

LC

Action on sleep, wakefulness, feeding behaviour and affecting attention and memory consolidation, leading the CNS into a state of high alert

Question 8

Serotonin (SE)

Answer 8

Produced by brainstem nuclei

Behavioural effects: SE modulates mood, perception, memory, anger, aggression, fear, appetite, sexuality. It also plays a role in stress responses and addiction.

Influences: in an indirect way SE also plays a role in motor control, cerebellar function, circadian rhythm, vascular tone in the CNS, respiratory drive and body temperature.

Question 9

Oxytocin (Ox)

Answer 9

Produced in the HPT, and released to the bloodstream over the Hyp.

Facilitating birth through uterine contractions, increasing contractions around the prostate during ejaculation, etc.

Emotional dependency (activation of OXTR receptor)