Which neurotransmitter is predominantly excitatory in the central nervous system and involved in memory formation?

The neurotransmitter that is predominantly excitatory in the central nervous system and plays a crucial role in memory formation is glutamate. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and it is integral to synaptic plasticity, which is the process underlying learning and memory.

When glutamate is released from presynaptic neurons, it binds to specific receptors on postsynaptic neurons (such as NMDA and AMPA receptors), leading to depolarization of the postsynaptic cell. This excitatory action is vital for various cognitive processes, including the formation of long-term memories.

This makes glutamate particularly significant in neural communication, as the facilitation of excitatory signals through this neurotransmitter allows for the strengthening of synaptic connections, an essential component of memory formation and learning. While acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin have important roles in the brain and can affect cognitive processes, they are not primarily categorized as dominant excitatory neurotransmitters involved in memory formation in the same manner as glutamate.