neurochemicals
Synaptic signal carriers
Neurochemicals are substances that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.
These include neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, cognition, and bodily functions.
Popular discussions often invoke neurochemicals to explain emotions or behavior: Exercise releases neurochemicals that improve mood.
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
- GABAInhibitory brain neurotransmitter
norepinephrine · epinephrine · endorphins · histamine · glycine · adenosine · substance P · vasopressin
Medications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
well-being · pleasure · reward · motivation · affect · emotional regulation · anhedonia · dysphoria
Adrenal steroid regulating stress
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- testosteroneChief male sex hormone
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
- insulinPancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
thyroxine · progesterone · leptin · ghrelin · glucagon · prolactin · gonadotropin · endocrine
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- vesicleSmall fluid-filled sac
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
- presynapticBefore the neural junction
neuromodulation · excitation · inhibition · depolarization · action potential · binding · release · uptake
Protein that hastens reactions
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- inhibitorAgent that slows reactions
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
modulator · metabolism · biosynthesis · degradation · feedback · downregulation · upregulation · precursor
Visualizing nervous system structure
- PET scanRadiotracer-based internal imaging
- assayCompositional evaluation procedure
- biomarkerMeasurable biological health signal
- brain chemistryBrain's chemical signaling processes
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
GABA · norepinephrine · epinephrine · endorphins · histamine · glycine · adenosine · substance P · vasopressin · oxytocin
antidepressants
Medications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
depression · well-being · pleasure · reward · motivation · affect · emotional regulation · anhedonia · dysphoria · psychopharmacology
cortisol
Adrenal steroid regulating stress
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- testosteroneChief male sex hormone
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
insulin · thyroxine · progesterone · leptin · ghrelin · glucagon · prolactin · gonadotropin · endocrine · hypothalamus
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- vesicleSmall fluid-filled sac
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
presynaptic · neuromodulation · excitation · inhibition · depolarization · action potential · binding · release · uptake · diffusion
enzyme
Protein that hastens reactions
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- inhibitorAgent that slows reactions
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
antagonist · modulator · metabolism · biosynthesis · degradation · feedback · downregulation · upregulation · precursor · cofactor
neuroimaging
Visualizing nervous system structure
neurochemicalssynthetic drugs
Artificially created psychoactive compounds
neurochemicalsfree will
Autonomous choice capacity
consciousness · subjective experience · the soul · qualia · intentionality