Excitatory synapse
Excitatory Synapse
An Excitatory Synapse (pronunciation: /ɪkˈsaɪtətɔːri ˈsɪnæps/) is a type of synapse that increases the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the post-synaptic neuron.
Etymology
The term "Excitatory Synapse" is derived from the Latin word "excitare" meaning "to rouse" and the Greek word "synapsis" meaning "conjunction".
Function
Excitatory synapses release neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, that bind to the post-synaptic neuron's receptors and cause depolarization. This depolarization brings the neuron's membrane potential closer to the threshold for an action potential, thus increasing the likelihood of an action potential occurring.
Related Terms
- Inhibitory Synapse: A type of synapse that decreases the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the post-synaptic neuron.
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.
- Glutamate: An amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- Depolarization: A change in a cell's membrane potential, making it more positive, or less negative. In neurons, it results from the flow of positively charged ions into the cell.
- Action Potential: A short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Excitatory synapse
- Wikipedia's article - Excitatory synapse
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