Explain,+using+examples,+the+effects+of+neurotransmission+on+human+behavior.

=**Effects of Neurotransmission on Human **= = = Nerve cells, called **neurons**, are one of the building blocks of behavior.

The neurons send electrochemical messages to the brain so that people can respond to stimuli – either from the environment or from internal changes in the body. The method by which these messages are sent is called **neurotransmission**. When an electrical impulse travels down the body, or **axon**, of the neuron, it releases **neurotransmitters** which then cross the gap between two neurons. This gap is called a **synapse**.

Neurotransmitters are the body’s natural chemical messengers which transmit information from one neuron to another.

Neurotransmittershave been shown to have a range of different effects on human behavior. In fact, neurotransmission underlies behavior as varied as mood, memory, sexual arousal, and mental illness. The table below, which highlights just a few neurotransmitters, gives an idea of the variety of behaviors which are influenced by these neurochemcial.


 * **Neurotransmitter** || **Effect** ||
 * Acetylcholine || Muscle contraction, and a role in the development of memory in the hippocampus ||
 * Dopamine || Voluntary movement, learning, and feelings of pleasure ||
 * Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) || Arousal, alertness, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system ||
 * Serotonin || Sleep, arousal levels, and emotion ||

Psychology Course Companion written by John Crane Jette Hannibal [] []
 * //__citation__//**

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