Inhibitory

Inhibitory refers to the process or substance that slows down or stops the activity of a biological process or chemical reaction. In the context of neuroscience, an inhibitory neuron or substance decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential. In contrast, an excitatory neuron or substance increases this likelihood.

Inhibitory Neurons

Inhibitory neurons are a type of neuron that reduce the activity of other neurons. They do this by releasing neurotransmitters that bind to the receptors on the receiving neuron, causing it to become less likely to fire an action potential. This process is known as inhibition.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse. Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood of the target cell firing an action potential. Examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine.

Inhibitory Synapses

An inhibitory synapse is a type of synapse at which a neurotransmitter, released by the presynaptic neuron, reduces the likelihood of the postsynaptic cell firing an action potential. This is in contrast to an excitatory synapse, where the neurotransmitter increases this likelihood.

Inhibitory Drugs

Inhibitory drugs are substances that decrease the activity of a biological process or chemical reaction. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia. Examples of inhibitory drugs include benzodiazepines, which enhance the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

See Also

• Excitatory
• Neuron
• Neurotransmitter
• Synapse
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid
• Glycine
• Benzodiazepine

Inhibitory Resources
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