distinguish between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, with reference to glutamate (Glu) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)

Exciatory nt

nt that increase action potentials

exciatory nt eg

excite the neurons causing it to fire off message - passed along to next cell

nt that are excitatory

glutamate, epinephrine, norepinephrine, acetycholine, dopamine

inhibitory nt

blocks or prevents chemical message/nt from being passed along

decreases action potential

nt that are inhibitory

gamma-amino butyric acid -GABA, seratonin

effect of inhibitory nt

promote calm and balance in neural activity

Glutamate function

learning, memory formation, cognition

GABA function

regulates anxiety, sleep and muscle control

why is GABA needed

calms overactivity ensuring neurons do not become overstimulated