In terms of neurotransmitter function, what would be the effect of GABA?

In terms of neurotransmitter function, what would be the effect of GABA?

• A. It boosts neuronal firing activity
• B. It decreases neuronal firing activity
• C. It has no significant effect on neurons
• D. It increases sensory integration

Answer: (B)

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, serves as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its function is to decrease neuronal firing activity, leading to a calming effect on the nervous system. When GABA binds to its receptors on neurons, it typically opens channels that allow negatively charged ions to enter the cell or positively charged ions to leave, making it more negative inside the neuron. This hyperpolarization makes it less likely for the neuron to fire, thereby reducing overall neuronal activity. In contrast, options that suggest GABA increases neuronal activity or has no significant effect on neurons do not accurately reflect its inhibitory role. Additionally, while GABA plays a role in modulating sensory information, indicating it increases sensory integration does not align with its primary action as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, the correct answer highlights GABA's essential role in decreasing neuronal firing activity, which is crucial for maintaining balance in excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain.

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, serves as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its function is to decrease neuronal firing activity, leading to a calming effect on the nervous system. When GABA binds to its receptors on neurons, it typically opens channels that allow negatively charged ions to enter the cell or positively charged ions to leave, making it more negative inside the neuron. This hyperpolarization makes it less likely for the neuron to fire, thereby reducing overall neuronal activity.

In contrast, options that suggest GABA increases neuronal activity or has no significant effect on neurons do not accurately reflect its inhibitory role. Additionally, while GABA plays a role in modulating sensory information, indicating it increases sensory integration does not align with its primary action as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, the correct answer highlights GABA's essential role in decreasing neuronal firing activity, which is crucial for maintaining balance in excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain.