How exactly the brain goes about creating attention is still largely unknown. What is known, however, is that levels of neurotransmitters in certain areas of the brain are responsible for creating a brain environment more favorable to long attention spans. Primarily, the catecholamine neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine have been targeted as being responsible and manipulating the levels of …show more content…
Norepinephrine is synthesized in the brain by hydroxylation of dopamine, making its structure almost identical to that of dopamine, differing only in the addition of a hydroxyl group. Norepinephrine is commonly known for its relation to adrenaline in preparing the body’s “fight or flight” response. More specifically, norepinephrine in the brain is largely responsible for alertness and readiness for action. Readying the brain for action includes enhancing sensory processing, increasing attention span, and enhancing memory retrieval and