neuromodulator
Neural signal modifier
A neuromodulator is a chemical substance that alters how neurons communicate, typically by adjusting the strength or duration of signals rather than directly triggering them.
Unlike neurotransmitters that act quickly at specific synapses, neuromodulators like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine diffuse more broadly and influence mood, arousal, and attention.
Caffeine affects neuromodulators that regulate sleep.
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- GABAInhibitory brain neurotransmitter
glutamate · endorphins · oxytocin · vasopressin · histamine · adenosine · substance P · neuropeptide
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- neurotransmissionNerve cell chemical communication
- plasticityAbility to change shape
- signalMessage-conveying cue
axon · dendrite · potentiation · inhibition · excitation · presynaptic · reuptake · binding
Prevailing emotional condition
- arousalStirring to heightened state
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- rewardPayment for service
sleep · appetite · pain · memory · learning · emotion · stress response · wakefulness
Receptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- psychoactiveAffecting brain and mood
- antidepressantDrug treating persistent despair
- anxiolyticSubstance lessening nervous tension
analgesic · SSRI · SNRI · dose-response · therapeutic · side effects · tolerance · dependence
Prolonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- Parkinson'sNeurodegenerative motor disorder
- schizophreniaPsychotic disorder with delusions
- addictionCompulsive substance reliance
ADHD · bipolar · insomnia · chronic pain · fibromyalgia · migraine · autism · OCD
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
GABA · glutamate · endorphins · oxytocin · vasopressin · histamine · adenosine · substance P · neuropeptide · nitric oxide
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- neurotransmissionNerve cell chemical communication
- plasticityAbility to change shape
signal · axon · dendrite · potentiation · inhibition · excitation · presynaptic · reuptake · binding · release
mood
Prevailing emotional condition
- arousalStirring to heightened state
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
reward · sleep · appetite · pain · memory · learning · emotion · stress response · wakefulness · pleasure
agonist
Receptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- psychoactiveAffecting brain and mood
- antidepressantDrug treating persistent despair
anxiolytic · analgesic · SSRI · SNRI · dose-response · therapeutic · side effects · tolerance · dependence · pharmaceutical
depression
Prolonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- Parkinson'sNeurodegenerative motor disorder
- schizophreniaPsychotic disorder with delusions
addiction · ADHD · bipolar · insomnia · chronic pain · fibromyalgia · migraine · autism · OCD · PTSD