Exocytosis%2C Inhibition and Drugs

Resting State

The state of an entire neuron when it is not actively sending a signal.

EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential)

A change in the postsynaptic neuron that makes it more likely to fire an action potential; involves depolarization and graded potential.

Impulse

An electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron; can involve saltatory conduction in myelinated axons.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitter release occurs.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound structures that store neurotransmitters in the axon terminals.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after they have transmitted their signal.

ACh (Acetylcholine)

A neurotransmitter that plays key roles in muscle contraction and memory.

Inhibition

The process by which the activity of a neuron is reduced; important in various brain functions including selective attention and impulse control.

IPSP (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential)

A change in the postsynaptic neuron that makes it less likely to fire an action potential; typically involves hyperpolarization.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The most prolific inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, associated with reducing neuronal excitability.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that is involved in motivation, reward, and motor control; low levels are linked to Parkinson's disease.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that contributes to the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep; SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the synapse.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in cognitive functions like learning and memory.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or dampens the activity of a neurotransmitter.

Agonist

A substance that enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.

Hyperpolarization

An increase in the membrane potential of a neuron, making it less likely to fire an action potential.

Depolarization

A decrease in the membrane potential, making a neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Cl- (Chloride Ion)

A negatively charged ion that, when entering a neuron, can contribute to hyperpolarization.

K+ (Potassium Ion)

A positively charged ion that, when leaving a neuron, can also contribute to hyperpolarization.

Selective Attention

The process of focusing on a particular object in the environment for a certain period of time.

Motor Control

The regulation of movement via the nervous system, significantly influenced by inhibitory neurons in the cerebellum.