What are neurotransmitters and where are they located?

Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and other parts of the body. Their primary role is to transmit signals that can either excite or inhibit neural activity, thereby influencing various bodily functions, including mood, movement, and cognition. They are synthesized and released by neurons and act on specific receptors on target cells to relay information.

The central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord, is the primary location for neurotransmitters. These chemicals play a critical role in neurotransmission, allowing rapid communication across neural pathways, which is crucial for both reflex actions and more complex thought processes.

Other options present inaccuracies regarding the nature and location of neurotransmitters. For instance, they do not solely impact muscles, nor are they found in the heart, liver, or digestive tract as primarily stated in those choices. Instead, neurotransmitters are a distinct class of molecules crucial for proper nervous system function.