Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are molecules that help to transmit electrical signals between nerve cells, otherwise known as neurons, in the brain. They are responsible for transmitting information from one neuron to the next and are vital for the functioning of the nervous system. Neurotransmitters are released from neurotransmitter pathways in the brain and affect many different processes in the body, such as mood, behavior, movement, and other functions. They can be either inhibitory, meaning that they reduce the flow of a signal, or excitatory, meaning that they increase the flow of a signal. Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels can lead to a variety of mental and physical illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and Parkinson's disease. Imbalance can be caused by injury or disease, or it may be genetic. Neurotransmitters play a major role in regulating the body, and understanding how they work is key to understanding many diseases and disorders.