GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Definition

GABA is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that inhibits or slows down brain signals and activity.

Analogy

Think of GABA as the brakes on your car. Just like how you use brakes to slow down or stop your car, GABA slows down or stops certain brain signals to help maintain balance in the brain.

Related terms

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter: A type of neurotransmitter, like GABA, that reduces the likelihood of generating an action potential and thus inhibits neuronal signaling.

Benzodiazepines: These are drugs that enhance the effect of GABA in the body, leading to sedative and anxiety-reducing effects.

Neural Inhibition: This is a process by which an individual neuron can prevent the transmission of signals from other neurons.