Inhibitory neurotransmitter
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter
Inhibitory neurotransmitters (pronunciation: in-hib-i-tory neu-ro-trans-mit-ter) are a type of neurotransmitter that decrease the likelihood of generating an action potential in the neuron to which they bind. They are essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Etymology
The term "inhibitory neurotransmitter" is derived from the English words "inhibit" meaning to restrain or prevent, and "neurotransmitter", which refers to a substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse.
Function
Inhibitory neurotransmitters function by binding to specific receptors on the post-synaptic neuron. This binding causes the neuron to become less likely to fire an action potential, effectively 'inhibiting' its activity. This process is crucial for maintaining balance within the nervous system and preventing over-excitation of neurons.
Examples
Some examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters include GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glycine. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, while glycine is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord.
Related Terms
- 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.
- Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
- Synapse: A junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.
- GABA: A neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain. Low levels of GABA may be linked to anxiety or mood disorders.
- Glycine: An amino acid that has several roles in the body, including as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inhibitory neurotransmitter
- Wikipedia's article - Inhibitory neurotransmitter
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