How Do You Spell NEUROTRANSMITTER?

Pronunciation: [njˈuːɹətɹˌansmɪtə] (IPA)

The word "neurotransmitter" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /n(j)ʊroʊˈtrænzmɪtər/. The first part of the word, "neuro," refers to the nervous system and is pronounced as /ˈn(j)ʊroʊ/. The second part, "transmitter," refers to the release of chemical messages from nerve cells, and is pronounced as /trænzmɪtər/. The spelling of the word follows a combination of Latin and Greek roots commonly used in scientific terminology. Understanding the IPA transcription can aid in proper pronunciation and clarity of communication in scientific fields.

NEUROTRANSMITTER Meaning and Definition

1. A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals within the nervous system. It is a specialized molecule synthesized and released by neurons, which serve as the primary means of communication between nerve cells. This chemical messenger is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses or information from one neuron to another across synapses, the tiny gaps between these cells.

   Neurotransmitters are vital in facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the nervous system, allowing neurons to communicate and coordinate various physiological processes and behaviors. They are involved in regulating a wide range of functions, including mood, memory, cognition, motor control, and hormonal regulation.

   Typically, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles within the presynaptic neuron and are released into the synapse when an electrical signal, known as an action potential, reaches the synapse. From there, they bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering a response or inhibiting the transmission of the signal. This binding process activates or inhibits specific pathways, ultimately modulating the activity of the nervous system.

   Examples of well-known neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Each neurotransmitter has its own specific functions and target receptors, contributing to the complex network of neural communication that underlies the functioning of the human brain and body. Dysregulation or imbalances in neurotransmitter levels can lead to various neurological disorders and mental health conditions, highlighting the critical role they play in maintaining overall well-being.

Top Common Misspellings for NEUROTRANSMITTER *

• nuerotransmitter 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for NEUROTRANSMITTER

• neurotransmittors
• neurtransmitters
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• neurotransmiter
• neurotrasmitter
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• beurotransmitter
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• jeurotransmitter
• heurotransmitter
• nwurotransmitter
• nsurotransmitter
• ndurotransmitter
• neurotrasnmitter
• Neurotransriter

Etymology of NEUROTRANSMITTER

The word "neurotransmitter" is derived from two roots: "neuro" and "transmitter".

1. "Neuro" comes from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve" or "sinew". It refers to the cells that make up the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

2. "Transmitter" comes from the Latin word "transmittere", which is a combination of "trans-" meaning "across" or "beyond", and "mittere" meaning "to send". It denotes something that sends or carries something across or from one place to another.

Combining these two roots, "neurotransmitter" literally means a substance or molecule that carries or transmits signals across or between nerve cells, ultimately facilitating communication within the nervous system.

Plural form of NEUROTRANSMITTER is NEUROTRANSMITTERS