NEUROTRANSMITTER GLUTAMATE Meaning and
Definition
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Neurotransmitter glutamate refers to a type of chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate is classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter, meaning it enhances the activity of neurons and promotes the transmission of signals between nerve cells. As the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, glutamate is involved in various physiological processes and is essential for the proper functioning of the CNS.
Glutamate acts by binding to specific receptors located on the surface of neurons, initiating a cascade of events that ultimately leads to the transmission of signals. It is particularly important for synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses (the junctions between neurons) to strengthen or weaken over time in response to experience, learning, and memory formation. Moreover, glutamate is responsible for regulating mood, cognition, motor function, and sensory perception.
While glutamate is crucial for normal brain function, excessive levels or dysregulation of this neurotransmitter can be detrimental. Overactivation of glutamate receptors can result in a phenomenon called excitotoxicity, whereby an excessive influx of calcium ions into cells leads to cell damage or death. Such excitotoxicity has been implicated in several neuropathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
Understanding the role of neurotransmitter glutamate has significant implications for the development of therapeutic approaches to various neurological disorders, as it represents a potential target for intervention or modulation to restore or rebalance neuronal activity.
Common Misspellings for NEUROTRANSMITTER GLUTAMATE
- beurotransmitter glutamate
- meurotransmitter glutamate
- jeurotransmitter glutamate
- heurotransmitter glutamate
- nwurotransmitter glutamate
- nsurotransmitter glutamate
- ndurotransmitter glutamate
- nrurotransmitter glutamate
- n4urotransmitter glutamate
- n3urotransmitter glutamate
- neyrotransmitter glutamate
- nehrotransmitter glutamate
- nejrotransmitter glutamate
- neirotransmitter glutamate
- ne8rotransmitter glutamate
- ne7rotransmitter glutamate
- neueotransmitter glutamate
- neudotransmitter glutamate
- neufotransmitter glutamate
- neutotransmitter glutamate
Etymology of NEUROTRANSMITTER GLUTAMATE
The word "neurotransmitter glutamate" is a combination of two terms: "neurotransmitter" and "glutamate".
1. Neurotransmitter: The word "neurotransmitter" is formed from two parts: "neuro-" and "-transmitter".
- Neuro- is derived from the Greek word "neuron", which means "nerve". It is often used in scientific terms related to the nervous system or brain.
- -Transmitter is a suffix that comes from the word "transmit". In this context, it refers to something that transmits or communicates signals or information.
2. Glutamate: The term "glutamate" comes from the Latin word "glutinare", meaning "to glue" or "to stick together". It is also related to the Latin word "glutin", which means "glue".
