Neuromodulators

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Neuromodulators modulate regions or circuits of the brain. That is, they affect a group of neurons, causing a modulation of that group.

In contrast, neurotransmitters affect one other neuron. Their action can be described as a neuron-neuron exchange of information, rather than an action on specific postsynaptic neurons. Therefore neuromodulators differ from neurotransmitters, from the point of view of their defining actions. But many neuromodulators do also act as neurotransmitters. A group of neuromodulater is called a ganglion and there are 32 pairs of ganglion throughtout your body that control all of your autonomic and somatic actions.

Examples of neuromodulators are substance P (pain perception) and endorphins (pain killers)

See also: neurotransmitters for a list of NMs/NTs.