National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What type of neurotransmitter is associated with excitatory effects in the brain?

1. Acetylcholine

2. Corticotropin

3. Glutamate

4. Serotonin

The correct answer is: Glutamate

Glutamate is recognized as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It plays a crucial role in synaptic transmission and plasticity, which are vital for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Glutamate works by binding to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to the depolarization of the neuron and the transmission of electrical impulses. This excitatory action contrasts with other neurotransmitters that may have varied or inhibitory effects. Acetylcholine, for example, can function both as an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter depending on the receptor it binds to and the specific context of the neural pathway. Corticotropin, primarily known as a hormone involved in stress responses, does not directly function as a neurotransmitter in the traditional sense. Lastly, serotonin is mainly associated with mood regulation and can have inhibitory effects on certain pathways, although it also can act excitatively in specific contexts. Thus, glutamate's distinctive role in fostering excitatory effects makes it the clear answer to this question.