Final answer:
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that enable communication between neurons across synapses. Dopamine is an example of a neurotransmitter with significant influence on neurological processes and behavior. Neuronal communication can be chemical or electrical, with most being chemical involving neurotransmitters.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that facilitate communication between neurons, which are specialized nerve cells within the central nervous system. This communication is crucial for transmitting information throughout different parts of the body.
Neurotransmitters are released from vesicles in the neuron through a process known as exocytosis when the neuron is stimulated. They travel across a small gap called the synapse to reach another neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell, thereby transmitting signals.
One well-known neurotransmitter is dopamine, which plays a role in many neurological processes and human behaviors. Dysfunctions in dopamine signaling can lead to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and schizophrenia.
The transfer of neurotransmitters like dopamine not only allows neurons to communicate with each other but also ensures the proper functioning of the nervous system, affecting everything from muscle movement to mood regulation.
The process of neuronal communication is an electrochemical event, combining electrical and chemical signals to facilitate the interaction between neurons.
While most synapses in the nervous system are chemical, there are also electrical synapses where the connection is made directly through gap junctions, allowing a quicker signal transmission.