Excitatory

Excitatory refers to the process or substance that increases neuronal activity and promotes nerve impulses. This term is often used in the context of neuroscience and pharmacology to describe the action of certain neurotransmitters, drugs, and neurons.

Overview

In the field of neuroscience, an excitatory neuron or substance is one that encourages a target neuron to fire an action potential, or nerve impulse. This is typically achieved by increasing the flow of positive ions into the neuron, making the inside of the neuron more positive and thus more likely to fire an action potential. The most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain is glutamate.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another 'target' neuron. Excitatory neurotransmitters are those that increase the likelihood of the target neuron firing an action potential. The most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain is glutamate, which plays a key role in learning and memory.

Excitatory Drugs

Certain drugs can also have an excitatory effect on the nervous system. These drugs, known as stimulants, increase neuronal activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamines.

Excitatory Neurons

Excitatory neurons are those that release excitatory neurotransmitters, thus promoting the firing of action potentials in their target neurons. These neurons play a crucial role in many aspects of brain function, including sensory processing, motor control, and cognition.

See Also

• Inhibitory
• Neurotransmitter
• Stimulant
• Glutamate

References

Excitatory Resources
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