EXCITATORY SIGNAL Meaning and
Definition
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An excitatory signal refers to a type of electrical or chemical impulse that promotes the activation or stimulation of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS). These signals play a crucial role in transmitting information and facilitating communication between different regions of the brain and the body.
In the context of neuronal communication, an excitatory signal initiates and intensifies a sequence of processes that result in the generation of an action potential or nerve impulse. When an excitatory signal reaches a neuron, it causes the cell's membrane potential to become more positive, increasing its likelihood of firing an action potential. This depolarization occurs when neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, bind to receptor sites on the post-synaptic membrane, opening ion channels and allowing positive ions to enter the cell.
Excitatory signals are responsible for a wide array of physiological functions, including sensory perception, motor control, cognition, and memory formation. They are essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system and contribute to various aspects of human behavior and perception. Imbalances or abnormalities in excitatory signaling can lead to neurological disorders like epilepsy, hyperactivity, or even neurodegenerative diseases.
Understanding the mechanisms and regulation of excitatory signals is crucial for neuroscience research and the development of therapeutic interventions targeting neurological disorders. Techniques such as electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology are employed to study the complex interplay of excitatory signals and their impact on neuronal activity within the intricate network of the brain.
Common Misspellings for EXCITATORY SIGNAL
- wxcitatory signal
- sxcitatory signal
- dxcitatory signal
- rxcitatory signal
- 4xcitatory signal
- 3xcitatory signal
- ezcitatory signal
- eccitatory signal
- edcitatory signal
- escitatory signal
- exxitatory signal
- exvitatory signal
- exfitatory signal
- exditatory signal
- excutatory signal
- excjtatory signal
- excktatory signal
- excotatory signal
- exc9tatory signal
- exc8tatory signal
Etymology of EXCITATORY SIGNAL
The etymology of the word "excitatory" comes from the Latin word "excitare", which means "to excite, arouse, or stir up". It was derived from "ex" (meaning "out") and "citare" (meaning "to move or rouse").
The term "excitatory" is often used in neuroscience and refers to a type of signal or impulse that stimulates or activates a cell, tissue, or system in the body. In the context of the nervous system, an excitatory signal refers to a neurotransmitter or electrical impulse that triggers an action potential, leading to the generation of neural signals and transmitting information between nerve cells.
