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Module 1.3a

Other modules explore neurotransmitter influences on hunger and thinking, depres- ®
sion and euphoria, and addictions and therapy. For now, let’s see how neurotransmitters AP Exam Tip
influence our motions and emotions. A particular brain pathway may use only one or two CONNECT 1.3-3
neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, and particular neurotransmitters As the text indicates, there are
dozens of different neurotrans-
(depending on their brain locations) affect specific behaviors and emotions (Table 1.3-1). mitters. Though there’s no way to Point out to your students that each of
But neurotransmitter systems don’t operate in isolation; they interact, and their effects vary predict exactly which ones you’ll the neurotransmitters featured in Table
®
with the receptors they stimulate (Figure 1.3-5). need to know on the AP exam,
it’s quite likely you will be asked 1.3-1 is chemically similar to a drug or
about the neurotransmitters in
Table 1.3-1. other chemical that affects behavior,
TABLE 1.3-1 Commonly Studied Neurotransmitters and Their Functions
cognition, and emotion (as discussed
Neurotransmitter Function Examples of Malfunctions in Module 1.3c.) Share these similari-
Acetylcholine (ACh) Enables muscle action, With Alzheimer’s disease, ACh-producing ties with them that the chart does not
learning, and memory neurons deteriorate. point out:
Dopamine Influences movement, Oversupply linked to schizophrenia.
learning, attention, and Undersupply linked to tremors and • Dopamine is similar to cocaine.
emotion decreased mobility in Parkinson’s disease. • Serotonin is similar to LSD and
Serotonin Affects mood, hunger, Undersupply linked to depression. Some Ecstasy.
sleep, and arousal drugs that raise serotonin levels are used Noam Galai/Getty Images ASSOCIATED PRESS
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
to treat depression. Explain that, just as our body
Norepinephrine Helps control alertness Undersupply can depress mood. produces its own painkillers, it also
and arousal Dependent upon dopamine The produces the chemicals necessary for
neurotransmitter dopamine helps
GABA (gamma- A major inhibitory Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, us move, think, and feel. Too energy, euphoria, and even hallucina-
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
little dopamine may produce the
aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter and insomnia. tremors and loss of motor control of
Parkinson’s disease (National Institute tions. In healthy people, these chem-
Glutamate A major excitatory Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, on Aging [NIA], 2019; Weinstein et al.,
neurotransmitter; involved producing migraines or seizures. 2018). More than 10 million people icals are balanced to produce normal
in memory worldwide have Parkinson’s disease, experiences. Taking psychoactive
including actor Michael J. Fox and
Endorphins Neurotransmitters that Oversupply with opioid drugs can the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali drugs disrupts this balance, causing
influence the perception of suppress the body’s natural endorphin (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2018). abnormal and potentially harmful
pain or pleasure supply.
levels of energy, emotion, and sensory
Substance P Involved in pain perception Oversupply can lead to chronic pain.
and immune response experience.
Figure 1.3-5 TEACH 1.3-3
Neurotransmitter pathways
Each of the brain’s differing Teaching Tip
chemical messengers has
designated pathways where Figure 1.3-5 shows serotonin and
it operates, as shown here for
serotonin and dopamine (Carter, dopamine pathways throughout the
1998).
brain. Point out that the function of the
neurotransmitter depends on which
part of the brain it acts upon.
Macmillan Learning Macmillan Learning • If the neurotransmitter acts in

Dopamine pathway Serotonin pathway the brainstem, it affects basic
functions like breathing and
heartbeat.
The Neuron and Neural Firing: Neural Communication and the Endocrine System Module 1.3a 33
• If it acts on areas in the midbrain, it
affects functions like memory and
emotion.
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• If it acts on areas in the cortex,
it affects higher functions like
memory integration, problem
solving, and perception.

Helping students see this hierarchical
organization of the brain, and how
neurotransmitters play a role in it, will
give them a better understanding of
the neuroanatomy they will encounter
in upcoming modules.

The Neuron and Neural Firing: Neural Communication and the Endocrine System Module 1.3a 33

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