Neurotransmitters and Learning Pt. 1

The purpose of this and the three subsequent blog posts is to share what I have learned about the role played by neurotransmitters in relation to learning. Specifically, three particular neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinepherine, and serotonin) are essential contributors to learning.

However, before I get into discussing each of these neurotransmitters, it is important that we understand a) how thinking happens and, b) how our brains are the product of millions of years of evolution, yet are essentially driven by the same factors as those of our hunter and gather ancestors.

So, on with the show...

We think using connections among neurons or brain cells. We have nearly 100 billion of these little guys, and they are able to create trillions of connections (Not that it matters, but a trillion is 1,000,000,000,000). The point here is that the brain has almost limitless learning capacity.

Neurons have an axon (cable) that connects to to the dendrites (hairs) of other neurons across a small gap called a synapse. Essentially, a neuron sends an electric signal down its axon which releases chemicals. These chemicals cross the synapse and attach to receptors on the dendrites of another neuron. When this happens enough times, an electric signal builds in the receiving neuron which then sends it down its axon to create another connection. Times this by thousands, even millions, and you are thinking, remembering, learning, and acting. And, the more times this happens, the more permanent the connection.

So, what does this have to do with neurotransmitters? And what are neurotransmitters anyways? Great questions!!! I'm glad you asked.
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals
that are sent across the synapse from one neuron to another. Without them, we couldn't think, act, or feel. They are made from amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and there are a whole bunch of different ones. When you think about the man or woman you love, your thoughts are mostly made out of the neurotransmitter dopamine. When you think the dark shadow in the alley ahead is a mugger, you are mostly thinking with norepinepherine. And when you listen to the soothing sounds of waves on the beach, you are thinking relaxing thoughts using serotonin. Pretty interesting, heh? Our ancestors thought so too, because they also thought and learned using these same neurotransmitters.

Let's now look at the function of each of these different neurotransmitters and their role in learning.