Introduction
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that have the power to regulate and control both emotional and physical processes in the body. In other words, neurotransmitters act as the messengers of the brain as it works to control all the functions of the body. However, they do not work alone but they work in conjunction with the body hormones and other chemicals to maintain a healthy body. Basically, they function in mediating between neurons by crossing the bridge between the two neurons which is the synapse. Besides, bridging between neurons, neurotransmitters also function in regulating the production of other signal-sending molecules in the brain (Ankrom, 2008, p. 1).
The major neurotransmitters in the brain
One of the major neurotransmitters in the brain is the GABA (Gamma amino butyric acid) neurotransmitter. It forms the major inhibitory neurotransmitter located in the brain’s central nervous system. It functions in promoting the recovery process of neurons after transmitting messages to help reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. It also functions in regulating the secretions of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and adrenaline to prevent the effects associated with high level secretions of the same. Ii mainly functions in regulating mood through the regulation of serotonin which is the major contributor of mood changes.
Thus, serotonin is the chemical responsible for our happiness and other feelings. Availability of adequate serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain defends one against depression and anxious feelings. Inadequacy of serotonin is likely to results to frequent sickly headaches, lack of sleep, obsessions and tension. However, serotonin levels may, at times, be affected by certain hormones especially estrogen. This is the reason why many women have mood changes during their menstrual periods (Ankrom, 2008, p. 1).
Another neurotransmitter of the brain is epinephrine basically referred to as adrenaline. It functions both as a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone. Its neurotransmitter functions include regulation of concentration abilities as well as stimulation especially during pre sex arousal. Hormonal functions involve the regulation of insulin levels by inhibiting its excretion. Additionally, it raises the levels of blood fatty acids. However, the levels of this neurotransmitter have to be regulated otherwise, too much of it will result to anxiousness and lack of sleep. Similarly, low levels of the same results to fatigue and weight gain the third major neurotransmitter is dopamine which controls motivation and interests towards something in people.
It is literally responsible for the feeling of being alive because it is associated with positive feelings such as love, the desire and willingness to carry out positive activities such as exercising, having sex and other leisure activities. It is also responsible for the control and proper functioning of body muscles. Inadequacy of dopamine results to lack of concentration and the motivation to perform certain tasks. Use of drugs may as well result when we have low levels of dopamine. Similarly, high levels of the same are associated with certain conditions such as autism in children, attention disorders and poor functioning of the intestinal system. The other major neurotransmitter is glutamate which is the major neurotransmitter responsible for excitement. It activates the ability of the brain to learn and remember. Low levels result to inability of the brain to function properly.
High levels of this neurotransmitter are dangerous in that they cause death to nerve cells which are essential components of the brain. In other cases, the right levels of glutamate may be available but it may fail to function as expected. In such cases, neurodegenerative disorders such as the Huntington’s disease and autism occur. Another common neurotransmitter is histamine which is commonly known for its allergic reactions. However, it also functions in regulating the excursion of other neurotransmitters especially epinephrine. It also functions in controlling bodily cycles such as the sleeping and waking cycles. The other common neurotransmitter is norepinephrine which also has excitatory functions. It is responsible for sleep and alertness (Rita, 1998, p. 1).
Impacts of neurotransmitters on medical diseases and mental illnesses
Most of the mental illnesses are associated with the brain with the argument that they result from the dysfunctioning of the brain. This is because the brain is the centre of all the body’s activities and therefore any unusual behavior results due to improper functioning of the brain in controlling the body. Since the brain sends messages through neurotransmitters, its dysfunctioning is related to inability of the neurotransmitters to send the required messages properly. Inability of the neurons to function properly, therefore, results to uncontrolled body activities resulting to some behaviors such as excessive anger and anxiety, extreme mood changes, changes in routine activities such as sleeping and eating habits, suicidal thoughts, just to mention but a few (Best, p. 1).
Conclusion
The brain is the most important component of our bodies since it controls all the activities of the body. Neurotransmitters, one of the most important components of the brain, are very crucial since they convey messages from one nerve cell to another hence promoting coordination of all the body’s activities. Failure of the neurotransmitters as well as the other components of the brain to function properly, therefore, leads to uncontrolled activities of the body which results to development of mental illnesses.
Reference List
Ankrom, S. (2008). Neurotransmitters: The Chemical Messengers of the Brain. Web.
Best, B. (N.D.). Brain Neurotransmitters.
Rita, C. (1998). Important Nerotransmitters and their Function. Web.