AP Psychology · Unit 2 Biological Bases of Behavior
Learning Objectives
Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap to excite or inhibit the next neuron. Each has distinct functions and associated disorders.
Excitatory vs Inhibitory: Excitatory NTs increase likelihood of firing (glutamate). Inhibitory NTs decrease it (GABA). Most are modulatory — they adjust neural circuits.
Tags
NeurotransmitterDopamineSerotoninGABA
Select Neurotransmitter
AP Mnemonic: "DANG SEE" — Dopamine (movement/pleasure), ACh (memory/muscle), Norepinephrine (alertness), GABA (calm), Serotonin (mood/sleep), Endorphins (pain), Glutamate (excitation).