There are about 50 neurotransmitters, the most important ones studied are: serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and vasopressin. Studies have shown that we are social creatures -- isolation and loneliness are toxic to our wellbeing.

This and the previous blog are notes from the Coursera: ’Genes and the Human Condition’, University of Maryland, lectures on “My Genes Made Me Do It”. What follows is from lecture 4.

One of the important neural circuits in our brain is the amygdala -- cingulate cortex neural circuit. In the diagram above, the amygdala (in red) is the threat detector and the cingulate cortex (in yellow) is connected to one of the self-awareness centers. Serotonin is used as the neurotransmitter in this circuit.

How this circuit works is illustrated in the video below. Also neurotransmitter activity during orgasm and addiction are explained as well as MAO and the 'warrior gene'. In the summary, an overall view of our genes and the environment are put into perspective.