Brain Games 710: Neurotransmitters

Overview

In this class, we will learn about the chemicals in your brain that affect how you think, how you feel, and how your body works.

What are (nyoo-runs) neurons?

Our brain is made of billions of cells called (nyoo-runs) neurons. Neurons are also called nerve cells. These cells send signals by electricity and chemicals to all parts of the brain and body.

What are (new-row-trans-mit-ters) neurotransmitters

Neurons make (keh-meh-kals) chemicals called (nyoo-row-trans-mit-ters) neurotransmitters and send the chemicals by electrical signals to every part of the brain and body. There is a neurotransmitters for every thing that happens in the brain and body.

Let's Learn About Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine - ACh

uh·seh·tul·koe·leen

• ACh is the most common neurotransmitter in our brain and body.
• Whenever we move a muscle, blink our eyes, or our heart beats, our nerve cells release ACh.

Adrenaline

uh-dreh-nuh-lun

• Your brain makes adrenaline when you get scared or feel stressed.
• Adrenaline makes your heart beat faster and adds more energy to your muscles so you can get out of danger quicker.

Glutamate

gloo-tuh-mate

• Glutamate helps you learn and remember things.
• When you dream, the nerve cells in your brain send out glutamate.

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GABA

• GABA helps you relax and fall asleep.
• If our GABA levels are normal, we will feel calm. If our GABA levels are low, we will feel stressed out.

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Dopamine

doe-puh-meen

• Dopamine is your feel-good neurotransmitter.
• Your nerve cells send out dopamine when you listen to music, laugh, and eat good food.

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Get ready for some DOPAMINE! Click on the bunny to play a game.

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Serotonin

seh-ruh-toe-nun

• Your brain makes serotonin when you relax, listen to music, and eat certain foods.
• It lets you know when you are full of food.
• Serotonin helps you deal with pain.

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Oxytocin

ox-see-tow-sin

• Oxytocin is called the “love hormone” because our brain cells make it when we give or receive affection.
• It helps us bond with people and animals.
• Our nerve cells release oxytocin when we listen to music.

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Release some oxytocin today by hugging someone or something you love.

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BLOOKET

GIMKIT

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