INHIBITORY NEURON Meaning and
Definition
-
An inhibitory neuron, also known as a inhibitory interneuron or inhibitory cell, is a specialized type of neuron that plays a crucial role in regulating and controlling the activity of neural circuits in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons are responsible for suppressing or dampening the electrical signals or impulses that are generated by other neurons in the nervous system.
The main function of inhibitory neurons is to counteract the excitatory signals produced by other neurons, thereby maintaining a delicate balance between excitation and inhibition. They achieve this inhibition through the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, or glycine in the spinal cord, which subsequently bind to receptors on target neurons. This binding process helps to decrease the probability of a target neuron firing an action potential, making it less likely to transmit signals to other neurons.
The inhibitory actions of these neurons are vital for regulating processes such as sensory perception, motor control, memory formation, and emotional responses. They contribute to the coordination and synchronization of neural activity, ensuring precise and accurate signaling within and between different parts of the nervous system. Dysfunctions or abnormalities in inhibitory neurons can lead to various neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and movement disorders.
Overall, inhibitory neurons act as critical mediators of neural circuit balance and plasticity, exerting control over the excitability and coordination of neuronal activity, and supporting the stability and proper functioning of the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for INHIBITORY NEURON
- unhibitory neuron
- jnhibitory neuron
- knhibitory neuron
- onhibitory neuron
- 9nhibitory neuron
- 8nhibitory neuron
- ibhibitory neuron
- imhibitory neuron
- ijhibitory neuron
- ihhibitory neuron
- ingibitory neuron
- inbibitory neuron
- innibitory neuron
- injibitory neuron
- inuibitory neuron
- inyibitory neuron
- inhubitory neuron
- inhjbitory neuron
- inhkbitory neuron
- inhobitory neuron
Etymology of INHIBITORY NEURON
The word "inhibitory" originates from the Latin term "inhibitio", which means "action of restraining or holding back". It is derived from the verb "inhibere", which combines "in-" (meaning "in, on") with "hibere" (meaning "to hold or keep"). In the context of neuroscience, an inhibitory neuron refers to a type of neuron that releases inhibitory neurotransmitters, which inhibit or reduce the activity of other neurons they connect to. The term "neuron" comes from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve" or "sinew". Thus, the term "inhibitory neuron" describes a neuron that restrains or suppresses the activity of other neurons through the release of inhibitory chemical signals.
