EXCITATION AND INHIBITION

What are the 2 categories that synaptic transmissions can be

Excitatory or inhibitory

What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory transmitters

The action of the neurotransmitter atthe postsynaptic receptor

What do excitatory neurotransmitters trigger

They trigger nerve impulses and stimulate brain activity

What do excitatory neurotransmitters act as

They act as a kind of 'on-switch' resulting in an excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) and increase the likelihood of the post-synaptic neuron firing

What is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter

Dopamine, which can increase motivation and reward

What do inhibitory neurotransmitters do

They inhibit nerve impulses and have a calming effect on the brain.

What do inhibitory neurotransmitters act as

They act as 'off-switches' resulting in an inhibitory post-synaptic potential (IPSP) and decrease the chances of the post-neuron firing.

What is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter

For example, serotonin has a calming and stabilising effect on mood. Another example is GABA.

What is summation

Where w nerve cell can receive both EPSPs and IPSPs and therefore whether it fires or not, depends on the relative amount of each.

What is summed up in summation

The numbers of excitatory neurotransmitter impulses and the number of inhibitory neurotransmitter impulses are 'summed up' and if larger numbers of excitatory neurotransmitter impulses are received then the post-synaptic neuron will fire.