NEUROMODULATOR Meaning and
Definition
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A neuromodulator is a chemical substance that influences the communication between neurons in the brain and nervous system, ultimately shaping and regulating various physiological and behavioral processes. Neuromodulators are typically released by specific neurons and act upon a broad range of target cells by binding to specific receptors.
These specialized chemical messengers play a crucial role in modifying the strength, duration, and pattern of neuronal signaling, effectively regulating synaptic activity and shaping the overall activity of neural circuits. By exerting their effects on both presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, neuromodulators have the capacity to modify the functional properties of synapses and neural networks, leading to widespread changes in neurotransmission.
Neuromodulators demonstrate a diverse range of effects on neuronal activity, including altering the balance of excitation and inhibition, regulating synaptic plasticity, and modulating the release of other neurotransmitters. This widespread influence allows them to participate in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological functions such as mood, arousal, attention, motivation, learning and memory, and pain perception.
Examples of common neuromodulators include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Dysfunction or imbalances in neuromodulator systems have been implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, highlighting the fundamental importance of these chemical messengers in maintaining normal brain function and behavior.
Common Misspellings for NEUROMODULATOR
- beuromodulator
- meuromodulator
- jeuromodulator
- heuromodulator
- nwuromodulator
- nsuromodulator
- nduromodulator
- nruromodulator
- n4uromodulator
- n3uromodulator
- neyromodulator
- nehromodulator
- nejromodulator
- neiromodulator
- ne8romodulator
- ne7romodulator
- neueomodulator
- neudomodulator
- neufomodulator
- neutomodulator
Etymology of NEUROMODULATOR
The word "neuromodulator" is a combination of two components: "neuro" and "modulator".
- "Neuro" comes from the Greek word "neuron", which means "nerve" or "sinew". It has been used in scientific and medical terminology to refer to the nervous system or nerves.
- "Modulator" derives from the Latin word "modulatus", which means "to regulate", "to measure", or "to adjust". It is commonly used to describe something that modifies, controls, or influences a process or system.
Therefore, the etymology of "neuromodulator" indicates that it refers to a substance, molecule, or element that adjusts or regulates neural activity or functions within the nervous system.
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