Neurotransmitters are super important for how our brainstem and cranial nerves work. Here’s how they help:
Sending Signals: Neurotransmitters are special chemicals that help brain cells, called neurons, talk to each other. They stick to receptors on other neurons, helping carry messages.
Controlling Reflexes: In the brainstem, neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA help manage our reflex actions. For instance, GABA can slow down certain movements, while glutamate can make signals stronger.
Body Functions: Neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and acetylcholine, help control functions that happen automatically in our bodies, like heart rate and breathing. They affect the cranial nerves that manage these actions.
Sleep and Wakefulness: Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine also help regulate when we sleep and when we wake up. They influence brainstem activity and how our cranial nerves work too.
In short, neurotransmitters make sure our bodies react correctly to things happening inside and outside us!
Neurotransmitters are super important for how our brainstem and cranial nerves work. Here’s how they help:
Sending Signals: Neurotransmitters are special chemicals that help brain cells, called neurons, talk to each other. They stick to receptors on other neurons, helping carry messages.
Controlling Reflexes: In the brainstem, neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA help manage our reflex actions. For instance, GABA can slow down certain movements, while glutamate can make signals stronger.
Body Functions: Neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and acetylcholine, help control functions that happen automatically in our bodies, like heart rate and breathing. They affect the cranial nerves that manage these actions.
Sleep and Wakefulness: Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine also help regulate when we sleep and when we wake up. They influence brainstem activity and how our cranial nerves work too.
In short, neurotransmitters make sure our bodies react correctly to things happening inside and outside us!