Brain Games 1114: Neurotransmitters

Overview

In this class, we will learn about neurotransmitters and how they affect you mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Acetylcholine - ACh

uh·seh·tul·koe·leen

• ACh was identified in 1914. ACh is the first neurotransmitter to be identified.
• It is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain.
• It is released during voluntary muscle movement, i.e., whenever you move your body.
• ACh is also released during involuntary muscle activity, such as when your heart pumps blood or you blink or swallow.

Adrenaline uh-dreh-nuh-lun aka Epinephrine eh-puh-neh-fruhn

• Your brain releases adrenaline in response to your body going into fight or flight mode.
• Adrenaline increases your heart rate, causing your heart to pump blood faster to your muscles so they receive more oxygen and energy resources. When your brain perceives that you are feeling threatened or experiencing stress or fear, it sends signals to your body to increase your chances of survival.

Glutamate

gloo-tuh-mate

• Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter. An excitatory neurotransmitter stimulates other neurons to release their chemicals.
• It reinforces your memory and helps you learn.
• Glutamate levels are highest when you are awake and when you are dreaming (during REM sleep).

GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid gam-muh / uh-mee-noh / byoo tih-rik

• GABA performs the opposite action of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. It inhibits other neurons, causing them to stop releasing chemicals.
• GABA calms you down and lowers your heart rate and blood pressure
• It helps you relax and fall asleep.

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