Definition of «chemical neurotransmitter»

A chemical neurotransmitter is a substance that is released by a nerve cell (neuron) to transmit signals across a synapse, the junction between two neurons. These chemicals are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body and play an important role in regulating various bodily functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, and muscle movement.

Usage examples

Chemical neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine play crucial roles in the communication between neurons in the brain.
Imbalances or fluctuations in chemical neurotransmitter levels have been linked to various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Antidepressant medications often work by targeting specific chemical neurotransmitters in the brain, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that increase serotonin levels.
Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is primarily caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to a deficiency of this chemical neurotransmitter.
Acetylcholine is a chemical neurotransmitter involved in various cognitive processes, including memory formation and muscle control.
Drugs of abuse, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can interfere with the normal function of chemical neurotransmitters, leading to addiction and other long-term consequences.
Neurotransmitter imbalances can be assessed through specialized tests, such as measuring the levels of different chemical neurotransmitters in cerebrospinal fluid or using neuroimaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Sentences with «chemical neurotransmitter»

Some psychological disorders are caused by an imbalance of chemical neurotransmitters in the brain, and some are the result of environmental factors such as trauma. (wisegeek.com)
As an answer to this question, Wu and colleagues used a genetic technique to light up the places on the surface of the R2 neurons where they actively release small chemical neurotransmitters, sending information to neighboring cells. (sciencedaily.com)
Her specialty is brain chemical neurotransmitters and how they are affected by the foods we eat. (grassfedgirl.com)
(see all sentences)