Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released by the pre-synaptic cell into the synapse that changes electrical activity in the post-synaptic cell.
- Considered endogenous (produced inside the body) substances 
- Binds to receptors on the post-synaptic cell and either suppresses or enhances post-synaptic cell activity.

Neurotransmitters

How neurotransmitters form in the brain

Grinnell College

The brain is an electrochemical system that runs on neurochemistry (neurotransmitters). The brain can be altered using neuropharmacology (drugs). 

Neurotransmitter and Neuropharmacology

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Synaptic transmission is the process by which a neuron communicates with an adjacent one. It begins when an action potential reaches the axon terminal, causing neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft. These chemicals then travel across the synapse and bind to receptors on the next neuron's dendrites. If this signal is potent enough, it will trigger a new action potential, thus propagating the nerve impulse.

Synaptic Transmission

Transmitters and drugs on injury or psychiatric illness

Aspects of neurotransmitters

- Drugs
- Drug effects
- Injury or psychiatric illness
- Drug abuse and addiction

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