What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are defined as chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons by transmitting signals across synapses, the small gaps between neurons. When a neuron is stimulated, it releases neurotransmitters that travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the adjacent neuron. This process is crucial for various brain functions, including mood regulation, cognition, and motor control.

Understanding the role of neurotransmitters is essential, as they affect everything from emotions to physical movements. This transmission of signals is vital for the functioning of the nervous system and plays a significant role in how we respond to our environment and each other.

The other options do not accurately describe neurotransmitters. Types of psychological disorders refer to classifications used in psychology to describe mental health conditions but do not relate to the biological mechanisms of signal transmission. Strategies for improving mental health involve therapeutic approaches or lifestyle changes to enhance well-being, whereas the physical structures of the brain pertain to the anatomy and organization of brain regions, not the chemical communication processes. Thus, the focus on neurotransmitters as chemical messengers highlights their critical role in the communication network of the nervous system.