The Major Excitatory Neurotransmitter of the Human Brain Is

Question

The major excitatory neurotransmitter of the human brain is
A) acetylcholine.
B) epinephrine.
C) glutamate.
D) nitric oxide.
E) GABA.

Accepted Answer

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and is involved in various cognitive functions such as learning and memory, as well as in the development and plasticity of neural circuits.

Other choices:
A) Acetylcholine is involved in various functions such as muscle control, attention, learning, and memory, but it is not the major excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain.
B) Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, and although it can act as a neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system, it is not a major neurotransmitter in the brain.
D) Nitric oxide is a gas neurotransmitter involved in various functions such as blood pressure regulation and immune response, but it is not a major excitatory neurotransmitter.
E) GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, counteracting the effects of glutamate and reducing neuronal excitability.