Gamma aminobutyric acid

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Gamma aminobutyric acid

Gamma aminobutyric acid (pronunciation: /ˈɡæmə ˌæmɪnoʊbjuːˈtɪrɪk ˈæsɪd/), often abbreviated as GABA, is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter with inhibitory properties which serve to reduce neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.

Etymology

The term "Gamma aminobutyric acid" is derived from its chemical structure, which consists of a butyric acid molecule where the amino group replaces the third carbon's hydrogen. The prefix "gamma" refers to the third carbon in the molecule's carbon chain.

Function

GABA is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the developmentally mature mammalian central nervous system. Its principal role is reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. In humans, GABA is also directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tone.

Related Terms

  • Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
  • Butyric acid: A carboxylic acid found in milk, especially goat, sheep and buffalo milk, butter, parmesan cheese, and as a product of anaerobic fermentation (including in the colon and as body odor).
  • Amino group: A functional group that consists of a nitrogen atom attached by single bonds to hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, aryl groups, or a combination of these three.
  • Muscle tone: The continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, or the muscle's resistance to passive stretch during resting state.

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