What neurotransmitter is considered the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?

Glutamate is recognized as the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). It plays a critical role in synaptic transmission, promoting the activation of neurons. Glutamate is essential for various brain functions, including learning and memory, due to its involvement in strengthening synaptic connections through processes such as long-term potentiation.

Excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, facilitate the transmission of impulses by depolarizing the postsynaptic membrane, making it more likely to fire an action potential. This is in contrast to inhibitory neurotransmitters, which prevent action potentials from occurring.

Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are also important neurotransmitters but primarily function in different mechanisms within the CNS. Dopamine is largely associated with reward pathways and motor control, norepinephrine is involved in arousal and alertness, while serotonin plays a significant role in mood regulation and sleep. None of these neurotransmitters primarily serve the excitatory role that glutamate does, which solidifies glutamate's position as the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.