“Give One, Get One.” 1. Neurotransmitters 2. Endorphins 3. Hormones

Neurotransmitters Exist in brain and spinal cord Chemical messengers that make it possible for one neuron to excite or inhibit another These substances can effect mood, memory, and well-being

Serotonin Affect neurons involved in sleep, appetite, sensory perception, pain, suppression, and mood Low levels of Serotonin have been associated with severe depression

Dopamine Affect neurons involved in voluntary movement, learning, memory, and emotion. A loss of dopamine is responsible for the tremors and rigidity of Parkinson’s disease

Acetylcholine Affect neurons involved in muscle action, cognitive functioning, memory, and emotion People with Alzheimer’s Disease lose brain cells for producing acetylcholine= memory problems

Norepinephrine Affect neurons involved in increased heart rate (arousal) and the slowing of intestinal activity during stress Also affect neurons involved learning, memory, dreaming, waking from sleep and emotion

GABA Functions as the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain Abnormal GABA levels have been implicated in sleep and eating disorders Inhibitory: Chances of firing decreases

Glutamate Function as the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain Excitatory: chances of firing increases

Endorphins Have similar effects of opiate drugs They reduce pain and promote pleasure

Endorphins Also play a role in appetite, sexual activity, blood pressure, mood, learning, and memory Some endorphins function as neurotransmitters but most act primarily by altering the effects of neurotransmitters. Either limit or prolong their effects

Hormones Long distance chemical messengers produced primarily in the endocrine system/glands – ( A Gland is an organ that releases chemical substances. For example: hormones, neurotransmitters, and endorphins. ) Released directly into the blood stream, allows them to travel to organs and cells that may be far away from their point of origin

3 Specific Jobs of Hormones Promote bodily growth Aiding digestion Regulate metabolism

Melatonin Generated in the pineal glands deep within the brain Helps regulate daily biological rhythms and promotes sleep

Adrenal Hormones Generated in Adrenal Glands (located above kidneys) Involved in emotion and stress Non-Emotional Conditions: – Heat, cold, pain, injury, burns, physical activity, and response to some drugs such as caffeine and nicotine

Why does a link between emotional arousal and memory make sense?

Sex Hormones Testosterone Estrogen Progesterone

Testosterone Masculine hormones produced mainly in the testes (also in the ovaries) Bring on masculine physical changes at puberty Promotes sexual arousal in both sexes

Estrogen Feminizing hormones that bring physical changes in females at puberty such as breast development and the onset of menstruation

Progesterone Contributes to the growth and maintenance of the uterine lining in preparation for a fertilized egg Produced mainly in the ovaries but also in the testes