Book contents
- Cambridge Textbook Of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists
- Reviews
- Cambridge Textbook of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Introduction
- 1 Cells
- 2 Neurotransmitters and Receptors
- 3 Basic Techniques in Neuroscience
- 4 Neuroanatomy
- 4.1 Fundamentals
- 4.2 The Basal Ganglia
- 4.3 The Temporal Lobes
- 4.4 The Frontal Lobes
- 4.5 White Matter Pathways
- 4.6 Ascending Neurotransmitter Systems
- 5 Neural Circuits
- 6 Modulators
- 7 Genetics
- 8 Neurodevelopment and Neuroplasticity
- 9 Integrated Neurobiology of Specific Syndromes and Treatments
- 10 Neurodegeneration
- Index
- References
4.6 - Ascending Neurotransmitter Systems
from 4 - Neuroanatomy
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 November 2023
Book contents
- Cambridge Textbook Of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists
- Reviews
- Cambridge Textbook of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Introduction
- 1 Cells
- 2 Neurotransmitters and Receptors
- 3 Basic Techniques in Neuroscience
- 4 Neuroanatomy
- 4.1 Fundamentals
- 4.2 The Basal Ganglia
- 4.3 The Temporal Lobes
- 4.4 The Frontal Lobes
- 4.5 White Matter Pathways
- 4.6 Ascending Neurotransmitter Systems
- 5 Neural Circuits
- 6 Modulators
- 7 Genetics
- 8 Neurodevelopment and Neuroplasticity
- 9 Integrated Neurobiology of Specific Syndromes and Treatments
- 10 Neurodegeneration
- Index
- References
Summary
In this section, we describe key functions of neurons in the brain that synthesise and release noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), dopamine (DA), and acetylcholine (ACh). As classic ‘neuromodulators’, these widely researched neurotransmitter systems ascend from posterior and ventral regions of the braillopregna by optimising the performance of brain networks without inhibiting or exciting neurons directly. Traditionally considered in the context of ‘non-specific’ arousal states (i.e. sleep and wakefulness) and the ‘reticular activating system’ (), the ascending neurotransmitter systems contribute to a surprisingly diverse array of behavioural and cognitive functions via specific pathways in the brain. These pathways arise from discrete clusters of neurons in the midbrain and forebrain (Figure 4.6.1). As the loci for clinically effective drugs to treat neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the ascending neurotransmitter systems are a major success story for the ‘receptor revolution’ in neuropsychiatry. For more on the synaptic physiology of these neurotransmitters, see Section 2.4.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Cambridge Textbook of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists , pp. 110 - 117Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2023
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