What are chemicals released by neurons that trigger a response called?

Neurotransmitters are the chemicals released by neurons that play a crucial role in transmitting signals across synapses to other neurons, muscles, or glands, ultimately triggering a response. These molecules facilitate communication within the nervous system by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, leading to various physiological effects.

This mechanism is essential for numerous functions including mood regulation, muscle contraction, and many cognitive processes. By bridging the gap between one neuron and another, neurotransmitters ensure that the nervous system can relay complex messages rapidly and efficiently, which is fundamental to how we experience and interact with the world around us. The function of neurotransmitters is vital in both normal brain function and in the pathology of many mental health disorders, highlighting their importance in human physiology.