Inhibitory

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellnesspedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Inhibitory Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD