SYNAPSE NEUROTRANSMITTERS

The word “Synapse Neurotransmitters” can be broken down into two parts, i.e., “Synapse” which is the gap or the part that joins two neurons and “Neurotransmitters” as the word suggests “Neuro” meaning nerve and “Transmitters” meaning transmission, this Neurotransmitter is a chemical which helps in the transmission of impulses from one neuron to another.  Neurotransmitter was first discovered by Otto Loewi, an Austrian-born pharmacologist, and psycho-biologist, in the year 1921 through his experiment with two frog hearts. Thus, the Synapse Neurotransmitter basically helps in the transmission of impulses from one neuron to another neuron through Synapse, which lies between two neurons.

TYPES OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS

There are almost 50 types of neurotransmitters; some of them can be divided into two categories,

• Depending upon the nature of the chemical
• According to its Function 

Depending upon the nature of the chemical-

• Amino Acid

Amino Acid is often known as the “Building blocks” of proteins. In the central nervous system, amino acid neurotransmitters are highly common. They are comparatively faster Synapse Neurotransmitters. It is further classified into further categories-

• GABA

GABA is also known as Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. It is often considered the primary neurotransmitter and helps with anxiety, seizure control, mood regulation, etc. Bipolar disorder, mania, insomnia, or hypersomnia may result because of its fluctuations. 

• Glutamate

Glutamate or Glutamic acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory creation. If Glutamate is completely destroyed, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke may occur. 

• Glycine

It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and helps in the processing and regulation of sensory and motor information which allows vision and movement.

•  Aspartate

Aspartic acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter. It is generally located in the ventral spinal cord.

Monoamines

They are generally the modified 2. o version of Amino acid, even though they perform the same excitatory and inhibitory functions; they are comparatively slower Synapse Neurotransmitters. Monoamines are classified into the following categories:

• Dopamine

It is one of the major neurotransmitters and is often associated with reward and pleasure. Lack of proper Dopamine release in one’s body can cause some serious psychiatric disorders.

• Serotonin

Serotonin is made by the conversion process of unique biochemicals, they are responsible for mood swings and emotions, temperature regulation, appetite, sexual desires, and sometimes how a person behaves.

• Histamine 

The guts’ physiological functions are regulated by histamine. It acts as a neurotransmitter for the uterus, brain, and spinal cord. It comes from the Greek word “histos”, meaning tissue.

• Epinephrine

Epinephrine neurotransmitters are also known as Adrenaline. They also serve as hormones and regulate heart rates, sugar levels, etc.

• Acetylcholine 

It is responsible for not only body movements but also learning and memory. Fluctuations in Acetylcholine can cause paralysis, dementia, muscle weakening, etc.  

According to its Function –

• Excitatory Neurotransmitter

Excitatory means it encourages passing the impulse from one cell to another cell.

• Inhibitory Neurotransmitter 

It decreases the chance or inhibits the cell from passing on the impulse.

• Modulatory Neurotransmitter

They are capable of passing multiple impulses at the same time.  

FUNCTIONS OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Some of the important functions of Synapse Neurotransmission, in day-to-day humans’ lives, are as follows: 

1. Heart rate regulation: One of the important functions of neurotransmission is the proper regulation of one’s heart rate.
2. Mood Swings- Mood swings are caused by various chemicals which are released during the process, the brain uses neurotransmission to keep them in control.
3. Functioning of the digestive system- Neurotransmission ensures proper functioning of the digestive system by not only absorbing nutrients and affecting gut motility but also regulating blood flow. 
4. Concentration- Certain chemicals involved in the neurotransmission process are responsible for attentiveness. Certain physical practices help in the proper flow of these chemicals, improving the concentration level.
5. Sleep functioning – Most of the Amino acids are responsible for the proper sleep cycle. A large portion of the population has difficulties in controlling their sleep cycle due to minor or major disruptions in the neurotransmission cycle.
6. Appetite control- The neurotransmitters responsible for controlling appetite are Serotonin and Catecholamine.
7. Respiration- The Amino acids such as GABA, Glutamate, and Glycine are responsible for the generation and transmission of respiratory rhythms.   
8. Voluntary functions- Neurotransmitters are not only responsible for involuntary movement but also voluntary muscle movements like walking, talking, jumping, etc. 

CONCLUSION

To conclude everything that is written above, Synapse Neurotransmitter is an essential part of not only the human nervous system but also plays a key role in the everyday functioning of human life as our senses, emotions, and impulses are what makes us human, our ability of better understanding of our surrounding makes us different from other beings. Even the smallest disruption of the nervous system or dysfunction in the Synapse Neurotransmission can have major or sometimes irreversible consequences on the human body. Research is still being conducted all over the world, to get a better understanding of Synapse Neurotransmitters.