neuromodulators
Neural activity regulators
Neuromodulators are chemicals that alter how neurons communicate, adjusting the strength or pattern of signals across neural circuits.
Unlike neurotransmitters that trigger immediate responses, neuromodulators work more broadly and slowly, influencing mood, attention, and arousal.
Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are common examples.
In cosmetic contexts, neuromodulators like Botox block nerve signals to relax muscles and reduce wrinkles.
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 · neuropeptides
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
- transmissionSending of information
- releaseTo let go
- uptakeAbsorption or understanding
reuptake · agonist · antagonist · cascade · pathway · binding · inhibition · excitation
Persistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- well-beingState of health, contentment
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
motivation · pleasure · reward · affect · emotions · arousal · alertness · calmness
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- antidepressantsMedications treating clinical despair
- psychotropicsSubstances affecting mental processes
- anxiolyticsDrugs reducing pathological worry
- stimulantsAgents that heighten arousal
hallucinogens · withdrawal · addiction · side effects · blood-brain barrier · bioavailability
New nerve cell formation
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- cognitive flexibilityCapacity to shift perspectives
- sensitizationIncreased responsiveness to stimuli
- habituationDiminished reaction over time
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 · neuropeptides · catecholamines
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
- transmissionSending of information
- releaseTo let go
uptake · reuptake · agonist · antagonist · cascade · pathway · binding · inhibition · excitation · presynaptic
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- well-beingState of health, contentment
stress · motivation · pleasure · reward · affect · emotions · arousal · alertness · calmness · irritability
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- antidepressantsMedications treating clinical despair
- psychotropicsSubstances affecting mental processes
- anxiolyticsDrugs reducing pathological worry
stimulants · hallucinogens · withdrawal · addiction · side effects · blood-brain barrier · bioavailability
neurogenesis
New nerve cell formation
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- cognitive flexibilityCapacity to shift perspectives
- sensitizationIncreased responsiveness to stimuli
- neuroscienceMRI, brain, synapses, dendrite, synapse
- Neurotransmittersacetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine
- stimulantscaffeine, amphetamine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine
- Implantable Stimulatorsneurostimulators, cochlear implants, pacemakers, brain implants
- stress hormonescortisol, adrenaline, epinephrine, norepinephrine, noradrenaline
neuromodulatorsneurotransmitters
Chemical neural messengers
glutamate · GABA · acetylcholine · glycine
modulate, modulation, neural, neuron, neurology, neurological, neurons, modulator, neuronal