5 Essential Neurotransmitters for Everyday Life

From mental to physical health, these five neurotransmitters keep our bodies moving.

By Allison Futterman
May 10, 2022 5:00 PMMay 11, 2022 4:49 PM
Serotonin
(Credit: Danijela Maksimovic/Shutterstock)

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Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that enable signals between nerve cells and target cells. These target cells are found in nerves, muscles and glands. We need neurotransmitters for our brains to regulate a variety of functions. These include appetite, breathing, concentration, digestion, muscle movement and sleep, in addition to others.

There have been more than 60 neurotransmitters identified thus far, but scientists believe there may be more yet to discover. To get a better understanding of neurotransmitters, here are five that are essential to everyday life.

1. Acetylcholine

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