Concept explainers
To review:
The mechanism by which neurotransmitters excite and inhibit the postsynaptic neuron.
Introduction:
Neurotransmitters are small chemical groups that are released from the axon terminals of the neurons. They bind to the specific receptors that are present on the next neuron, called post-synaptic neuron, and initiate a series of reactions that result in the generation of the action potential. The neurotransmitter receptors are present in the form of ligand-gated ion channels, where ligands are the neurotransmitters themselves. They bind to the receptors and initiate the opening of the voltage-gated ion channels. The neurotransmitters might excite the neuron or inhibit it, depending upon the type of voltage-gated ion channels that it has triggered to open.
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Human Anatomy & Physiology
- What is an excitatory postsynaptic potential?arrow_forwardWhich neurotransmitters are excitatory and which are inhibitory? How do they exert their effects?arrow_forwardIn the central nervous system there may be many synaptic inputs on a postsynaptic neurons. How does the postsynaptic neuron respond to the many presynaptic inputs?arrow_forward
- Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials cause what type of change at the post-synaptic membrane?arrow_forwardWhat are neurotransmitters ? Why are they used ?arrow_forwardWhat are the two major classes of neurotransmitter in reference to their effects on postsynaptic cells? How do their modes of action differ? Give an example of each type of neurotransmitter.arrow_forward
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