neurochemistry
Mind's molecular processes
Neurochemistry is the study of chemical processes in the nervous system—how neurotransmitters, hormones, and other molecules affect brain function and behavior.
The field bridges chemistry and neuroscience, examining how substances like dopamine and serotonin influence mood, memory, and mental states: The neurochemistry of addiction involves dopamine pathways.
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- GABAInhibitory brain neurotransmitter
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
acetylcholine · endorphins · oxytocin · histamine · glycine · epinephrine · adenosine · melatonin
Proteins binding specific molecules
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- exocytosisVesicular release from cells
- presynapticBefore the neural junction
neuromodulation · neuroplasticity · downregulation · upregulation · desensitization
Neuron-to-neuron transmission points
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
- gliaNon-neuronal brain cells
- astrocytesStar-shaped brain support cells
microglia · myelin · hippocampus · amygdala · striatum · hypothalamus
Medications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- SNRIsDual-action antidepressant class
- MAOIsEnzyme inhibitors treating depression
- benzodiazepinesSedative-hypnotic drug class
antipsychotics · stimulants · nootropics · anxiolytics · opioids · agonists · antagonists · pharmacokinetics
Prolonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- schizophreniaPsychotic disorder with delusions
- Parkinson'sNeurodegenerative motor disorder
- addictionCompulsive substance reliance
ADHD · bipolar · OCD · PTSD · Alzheimer's · neurodegeneration · dysregulation · anhedonia
Study of nervous systems
- electrophysiologyBiology's electrical activity science
- assaysTests for composition
- biomarkersMeasurable disease indicators
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
in-vitro · neuroimaging · fMRI · metabolites
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- GABAInhibitory brain neurotransmitter
glutamate · acetylcholine · endorphins · oxytocin · histamine · glycine · epinephrine · adenosine · melatonin · neuropeptides
receptors
Proteins binding specific molecules
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- exocytosisVesicular release from cells
presynaptic · neuromodulation · neuroplasticity · downregulation · upregulation · desensitization
synapses
Neuron-to-neuron transmission points
astrocytes · microglia · myelin · hippocampus · amygdala · striatum · hypothalamus
antidepressants
Medications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- SNRIsDual-action antidepressant class
- MAOIsEnzyme inhibitors treating depression
benzodiazepines · antipsychotics · stimulants · nootropics · anxiolytics · opioids · agonists · antagonists · pharmacokinetics · bioavailability
depression
Prolonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- schizophreniaPsychotic disorder with delusions
- Parkinson'sNeurodegenerative motor disorder
addiction · ADHD · bipolar · OCD · PTSD · Alzheimer's · neurodegeneration · dysregulation · anhedonia · psychosis
neuroscience
Study of nervous systems
- electrophysiologyBiology's electrical activity science
- assaysTests for composition
- biomarkersMeasurable disease indicators
chromatography · in-vitro · neuroimaging · fMRI · metabolites
neurochemistryneuroanatomy
Study of nervous system structure
gross anatomy · brain structure · neurophysiology · brain mapping · morphology
neurochemistryphenomenology
Study of subjective experience
psychology · philosophy of mind · folk psychology · introspection · subjective experience