Neurotransmitters are chemicals endogenously produced in the body for the purpose of sending stimulus across from one neuron to the other through the synapse. Neurotransmitters, packaged in synaptic vessels, are clustered beneath the inner membrane of the axon terminal of the presynaptic membrane. The neurotransmitters upon stimulus are released into the synaptic cleft where they diffuse and attach to their particular receptors on the post synaptic membrane. The flow of action potential is the main stimulus to the release of the neurotransmitters. The main function of the neurotransmitters is to excite or inhibit certain kinds of receptors. Thereby the behavioral effect of the neurotransmitters depends on the kinds of receptors on the post synapse. Noradrenaline, an important neurotransmitter is involved in arousal and dopamine controls motor movements and cognition (Webster, 2001, p. 55).
Synapse consists of dendrites of one neuron and terminus of the other neuron. No physical connection is found between these two in the synapse. Instead, these two are connected by neurotransmitters that are released from terminal buttons of one neuron into the synaptic vessels and from where these neurotransmitters find and attach to their particular receptors on the dendrites on the second neuron. Thereby, the action potential and the information are passed down from one neuron to the other with the help of these neurotransmitters.
Acetylcholine is one of the most important neurotransmitters that work on central nervous system as well as peripheral nervous system. Within the autonomic nervous systems, motor division of the somatic nervous system is under the control of acetylcholine. It is known to reduce the heart rates when released in the cardiac tissues while it acts as an excitation agent in the case of skeletal muscles. As an individual age, the concentration of acetylcholine falls that causes short memory lapses. This impairment in the memory with age is often referred to as benign senescent forgetfulness or age-Associated Memory Impairment. This is not related to the Alzheimer's disease. When the levels of acetylcholine fall to more than 90%, it causes Alzheimer's disease. The progression of Alzheimer's disease causes great damages to behavioral and cognitive functions. Alzheimer's disease is defined by short-term memory loss, confusion, and neuronal degeneration in the cerebral cortex that causes great disturbances in language as well as judging powers, reduction in the appetite and bowel control, and reduction in balance in communication.
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter involved in the motor movements as well as cognition. Death and degeneration of dopamine producing cells causes Parkinson's disease which is referred to as the degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Dopamine controls the muscular movements. Lesser production of dopamine in the case of Parkinson's disease causes loss of muscle function. Some of the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease involve slow blinking, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, unbalanced posture, drooling, constipation, and muscle aches. An important fact that needs mentioning here is that dopamine is the neurotransmitter from the category of catecholamine that is involved in stress control. The absence of dopamine in Parkinson's disease makes it hard to manage stress (Neve, 2009, p. 45).
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