Practice question · Multiple choice
GABA is the brain's main inhibitory transmitter, so it DECREASES excitability. Why does the brain need a dedicated brake?
Hints
- Ask what happens in a network where every neuron excites its neighbours.
- What do drugs that block GABA receptors cause?
Show the answer
B. Because unchecked excitation runs away without active inhibition
Why
Excitation alone is unstable. Benzodiazepines enhance GABA and calm; GABA antagonists convulse, the brake is as load-bearing as the accelerator.
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