neurotransmitter: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	chemical messenger • chemical transmitter

Photos

Diagram showing the chemical transmission of nerve impulses at a synapse, with labeled steps illustrating neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal, movement across the synaptic cleft, binding to postsynaptic channel receptors, and resulting signal propagation in the nervous system.

nicotinic receptor

Diagram showing the organization of the autonomic nervous system, with labeled pathways for parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, highlighting synapses, neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and their receptor types.

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Topics

Dopamine Acetylcholine inactivation neuropeptide Dale’s principle gamma-aminobutyric acid Serotonin neurotransmitter release gonad-stimulating substance Hormone Protein Lipid carboxylic acid hydrocarbon heterocyclic compound organosulfur compound Nucleic acid Carbohydrate Steroid organometallic compound

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Key People

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Thomas C. Südhof

German-American neuroscientist

Greengard, Paul

Paul Greengard

American neurobiologist

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Arvid Carlsson

Swedish pharmacologist