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

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for slowing nerve activity in the brain?

1. Dopamine

2. Serotonin

3. Norepinephrine

4. GABA

The correct answer is: GABA

The primary neurotransmitter responsible for slowing nerve activity in the brain is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, meaning that its primary role is to reduce neuronal excitability. When GABA binds to its receptors on neurons, it typically causes a hyperpolarization of the neuron, making it less likely to fire and transmit signals. This inhibitory effect plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of neural activity and is essential for preventing over-excitation, which can lead to anxiety, seizures, and other neurological disorders. In the context of neurotransmitter functions, other options such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine serve different roles. Dopamine is more associated with reward and motivation pathways, serotonin is linked to mood regulation, and norepinephrine primarily affects arousal and alertness rather than inhibiting activity in the brain. Thus, GABA stands out as the correct answer for its specific function in slowing down nerve activity.