Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
neurotransmitter
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
Full Definition
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances released by presynaptic neurons that bind to receptors on postsynaptic neurons, thereby transmitting neural signals across synaptic gaps. Major neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA, each with distinct functions in neural communication. Dysfunction in neurotransmitter systems is implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders.
In Context
- "The antidepressant works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin neurotransmitter." — drug mechanism report
- "Dopamine neurotransmitter levels were found to be significantly reduced in the patient cohort." — clinical trial
Also known as
chemical messenger
synaptic transmitter
Don't confuse with
neuromodulator
neurohormone