Neurotransmitter and Behaviour

Abstract

Neurotransmitters play a major role in everyday life and functioning. Everything known about human behaviour suggests it is regulated entirely by the human brain. Brain cells (neurons) communicate with one another (synaptic transmission) and with other cells in the body through small molecules called neurotransmitters (NT). NT are released by neurons and picked up by targeted cells through NT receptors (NTR). Increase or decrease in the production of any of these molecules due to any reason can produce profound effects on behaviour. Knowledge of the pathways involved in NT function has allowed development of drugs that modulate these pathways up or down. Scientists do not yet know exactly how many neurotransmitters exist, but more than 200 chemical messengers have been identified.