These endogenous chemicals facilitate communication between nerve cells. They are synthesized in neurons and released into the synapse upon neuronal activation. The released substances then bind to receptors on the target cell, which can be another neuron, a muscle cell, or a gland cell, thereby transmitting a signal. The process ensures that information is relayed swiftly and specifically within the nervous system.
The efficient transfer of signals is critical for various physiological functions, including muscle movement, sensory perception, and cognitive processes such as learning and memory. Dysregulation of these chemical signals is implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. Research into these compounds has significantly advanced our understanding of brain function and has led to the development of pharmacological interventions for a wide range of conditions. Early investigations, focusing on identifying these key signaling molecules, laid the groundwork for modern neuroscience.
