Biopsychology- Excitation and inhibition

Question 1

explain inhibition

Answer 1

When an inhibitory neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane it makes the post-synaptic neuron less likely to fire.
Inhibitory neurotransmitters reduce brain activity / calm the brain. They may be used to help induce actions such as sleep.
Summation – if inhibitory inputs are higher than excitatory they can cancel out excitation and inhibit (stop) an action potential occurring. e.g. serotonin/GABA

Question 2

explain exitation

Answer 2

Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the post-synaptic membrane and result in excitation (depolarisation) of the post synaptic membrane.
When an excitatory neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane it makes the post-synaptic neuron more likely to fire.
Excitatory neurotransmitters increase brain activity / stimulate the brain.
Summation – if excitatory inputs are higher than inhibitory they can cancel out inhibition and increase the likelihood of an action potential occurring. e.g. dopamine