1. Neurotransmitters
Ms. Carmelitano

2. Introduction Neurons are the building blocks of behavior
The 10 to 100 billion neurons make about 13 trillion connections with each other over the synapses
Essential Question: How do messages cross the synapses?

3. Answer: Neurotransmission!
The neurons send electrochemical messages to the brain so that people can respond to stimuli
Neurotransmission:
The method by which messages are sent between the synapses of the neurons

4. Neurotransmission
When an electrical impulse travels down the axon of the neuron, it releases neurotransmitters which cross the synapse between the neurons
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers which transmit information over the synapses from one neuron to another.

5. Neurotransmission
Neurotransmitters are stored in the neuron’s terminal buttons
When they cross the synapse they fit into receptor sites in the next neuron
like a lock-in a key, only certain neurotransmitters will fit in certain receptors
After the message is sent, other chemicals re-absorb the released chemicals

6. Neurotransmission

7. Enough of the science… now for the effect on behavior!

8. Effect on Behavior
Neurotransmission can cause many behavioral traits such as
Mood
Memory
Arousal
Mental illness

9. Why?
Neurotransmitters are responsible for causing the body to react to stimuli
If the neurotransmitters are out of balance, they will not be able to cause the body to appropriately react to stimuli

10. Effecting Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters fit into receptor sites like a lock-and-key
Because of this, drugs can stimulate or block the neurotransmitter
This can be on purpose with prescription drugs to regulate over or under production or as a result of drug abuse

11. Neurotransmitters you should know
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin

12. Activity
Using your textbooks and tablets, fill in the Neurotransmitters chart

13. Acetylcholine A neurotransmitter in the Autonomic Nervous System
In the PNS – helps with muscle contraction
In the CNS – sensory perception
Related to learning, memory, movement
If a person is having difficulty moving, it may be due to a blockage of acetylcholine

14. Dopamine Helps with voluntary movement Learning Feelings of pleasure
When we experience the stimuli of reward, there is an increase of the production of dopamine which creates the feeling of pleasure

15. Norepinephrine Can affect the rhythm of the heart
Helps to regulate flight-or-fight response
Stimulating affect, causing arousal, alertness, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system – The system that aids in control of internal organs

16. Serotonin Regulates sleep, arousal, and emotion Can regulate appetite
Can also affect memory and learning