Skip to main content

Neurotransmitters and Neurotransmission

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Introduction to Basics of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Abstract

Normal functioning of the human brain requires parallel and sequential innumerous neurotransmission processes that are fine-tuned by countless organic chemicals called neurotransmitters. Different neurotransmitters are expressed at a higher level in distinct areas of the brain signifying their physiological role. Various amino acids, amines, purines, gases, arachidonic acid derivatives, and peptides act as neurotransmitters. Additional compounds like neuromodulators, neuromediators, and neurotrophic factors are being discovered and explored for their role in pathological conditions. More commonly, multiple neurotransmitters are released and it involves the process called co-transmission. This chapter will review the basic anatomy of the brain, types of neurotransmitters, the pathways involved, and the role of neurotransmitters in various disease conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Bibliography

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mageshwaran Lakshmanan .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Pichai, E., Lakshmanan, M. (2021). Neurotransmitters and Neurotransmission. In: Paul, A., Anandabaskar, N., Mathaiyan, J., Raj, G.M. (eds) Introduction to Basics of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6009-9_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics