MENTAL ACTIVITY

AND MENTAL
ILLNESS
Contents
01 02 03
Introduction of Functions of the What is Action
mental activity and different cells potential in the
mental illnes brain

04 05 06
What is Differentiate excitatory, Definition of the different
neurotransmitter and inhibitory and neurotransmitters and
why are they important modularity give the function/s for
neurotransmitter mental health
 Introduction of Mental
Activity and Mental Illness
The human brain is a multifaceted organ with an
extensive network of connections and pathways that
work together so we can think, feel, and react. And all
of this is made possible by the actions of brain cells
called neurons, which communicate with one another
using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.
That is what MENTAL ACTIVITY REALLY IS; without
this complex interplay of nerve cells and
neurotransmitters, the brain—and by extension, the
body—wouldn’t be able to function, and everything
that makes us who we are would cease to be.
 Neuroglial cells, also known as glial cells or
GLIA CELLS glia, are not the same as nerve cells. Glial
cells assist in the support, connection, and
protection of neurons in the central and
peripheral nervous systems. Aside from that,
it helps maintain the ionic milieu of nerve
cells, modulates the rate of nerve signal
propagation, modulates synaptic action by
controlling neurotransmitter uptake, serves
as a scaffold for some aspects of neural
development, and aids (or prevents, in some
cases) recovery from neural injury.
 Neurons (also known as
NEURONS neurons or nerve cells) are the
fundamental units of the brain
and nervous system, the cells
responsible for receiving
sensory input from the outside
world, sending motor
commands to our muscles, and
transforming and relaying
electrical signals at every step
in between.
 Dendrites are projections from the
DENDRITES cell body, or soma, of neurons, or
nervous system cells. Dendrites'
primary job is to accept
information from other neurons,
known as presynaptic neurons, or
from the environment. Presynaptic
neurons send messages in the
form of neurotransmitters.
Dendrites are cytoplasmic
extensions or processes that
transport impulses to the cell
body.
 A neuron's Soma, or cell
SOMA body, includes the nucleus
and other components
found in all live cells. The
soma acts as an
"integration center" for
incoming dendritic
impulses. It also retains
genetic information,
maintains the shape of the
neuron, and provides
energy to drive activity.
 A synapse is a structure
SYNAPSE that allows a neuron (or
nerve cell) to send an
electrical or chemical
signal to another neuron
or effector cell. Synapses
are necessary for the
transfer of nerve impulses
from one neuron to the
next.
 It is a long, thin nerve cell
AXON protrusion. Axons' work
is to transport
electrical impulses,
which serve as a means
of communication inside
the brain and between
the brain and the rest of
the body.
 Myelin is a sheath-like
MYELIN insulating coating that
SHEATH develops around nerves,
including those in the brain
and spinal cord. This myelin
coating not only insulates the
axon and enhances the pace
of action potential
propagation, but it also
permits electrical impulses to
pass swiftly and effectively
along nerve cells.
 Action potentials are the
fundamental units of
What is communication between
neurons and occur when
action the sum total of all of the

potential excitatory and inhibitory

inputs makes the neuron's
in the membrane potential reach
around -50 mV, a value
brain? called the action
potential threshold.
 Neurotransmitters are located in a part of
WHAT IS
the neuron called the axon terminal.
NEUROTRANSMITTER Neurotransmitters are our body’s chemical
messengers. They carry messages from one
nerve cell across a space to the next nerve,
muscle or gland cell. These messages help
you move your limbs, feel sensations, keep
your heart beating, and take in and respond
to all information your body receives from
other internal parts of your body and your
environment.
 WHY Neurotransmitters are essential for the
NEUROTRANSMITTERS optimal functioning of your body. They
ARE IMPORTANT? help control various functions such as
your heartbeat, breathing, muscle
movements, thoughts, memory, learning,
feelings, sleep, healing, aging, stress
response, hormone regulation, digestion,
sense of hunger and thirst, and response
to what you see, hear, feel, touch, and
taste.

NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Excitatory
Neurotransmitters
Excitatory neurotransmitters
promote the generation of
electrical impulses (action
potentials) in the postsynaptic
neuron, making it more likely to
fire.
3 Types of
Inhibitory
Neurotransmitters
Inhibitory neurotransmitters
work to prevent the
generation of action potentials
in the postsynaptic neuron,
reducing the likelihood of
neural firing.
Modulatory
Neurotransmitters
Modulatory
Neurotransmitters regulate
the overall activity of neural
circuits, influencing the
efficiency or strength of
synaptic transmission.
 NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in
the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the brain, it's
involved in various cognitive functions, including memory,
learning, and attention. Adequate acetylcholine levels are
associated with improved mental alertness and overall cognitive
performance. Dysfunction in acetylcholine pathways has been
linked to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its
significance for mental health.
 NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Dopamine
Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter, which is a chemical
messenger that transmits signals in the brain and other areas of
the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in various functions,
including motor control, motivation, reward, and the regulation of
mood. In terms of mental health, dopamine is often associated with
the brain's reward system. It is released in response to pleasurable
situations and reinforces behaviors that contribute to pleasure,
motivation, and reward.
 NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

It is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a crucial role in
regulating neuronal excitability. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter,
meaning its primary function is to inhibit or reduce the activity of
neurons. GABA acts as a calming agent, helping to balance and
counteract the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as
glutamate. In terms of mental health it has different functions which
includes Anxiety regulation, Stress management, Sleep regulation,
and Mood Stability.
 NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger
that transmits signals in the brain. It is derived from the amino
acid tryptophan and is synthesized in the nerve cells. Serotonin is
involved in various physiological processes, and it plays a crucial
role in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep . In terms of mental
health it has different functions which includes Mood regulation,
Sleep regulation, Appetite control, Cognitive function, and
Emotional processing.
 NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Noradrenalin/norepinephrine
Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine, is a neurotransmitter
and hormone that plays a crucial role in the body's "fight or flight"
response. It belongs to the catecholamine family, along with
dopamine and adrenaline (epinephrine). Noradrenaline is produced
in the adrenal glands and certain neurons, and it acts as both a
hormone and a neurotransmitter. Its function on mental health
includes: Stress response, Mood regulation, Attention and focus,
Sleep-wake cycle, and Anxiety disorders.
 NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Histamine
Histamine is a neurotransmitter and a signaling molecule that plays
a crucial role in various physiological processes in the body,
including the central nervous system. In the brain, histamine acts as
a neurotransmitter, transmitting signals between nerve cells. It is
produced by specific neurons in the brain, particularly in the
tuberomammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus. Its function on
mental health includes Wakefulness and Arousal, Cognition and
learning , Emotional regulation, Stress response, and Motor control.
 REFERENCES

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22513-neurotransmitters
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24854-histamine
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-dopamine
https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain-basics/brain/brain-physiology/action-potentials-
and-synapses?
fbclid=IwAR1sz2_hAAPRYSyYbyVERk1ZegIv5x1K26aZOLP0ZgQsdA4RpND
wklFG3yo#:~:text=Action%20potentials%20are%20the%20fundamental,calle
d%20the%20action%20potential%20threshold
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224 36/
https://aminoco.com/blogs/health/brain-che micals-affect-emotions
Thank you!
GROUP 05
NAZRA, URVASHI
NIRO, ANGELICA
OPETINA, LUISA
TEJANO, MARCK ARGE
VELASCO, JHEN KRISTELLE