INHIBITORY SYNAPSE Meaning and
Definition
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An inhibitory synapse is a type of synapse in the nervous system that is responsible for transmitting inhibitory signals or messages between neurons. Synapses are the points of contact between neurons where information is transmitted in the form of chemical or electrical signals, allowing for communication within the nervous system. Inhibitory synapses function by reducing or preventing the generation of an action potential or electrical impulse in the postsynaptic neuron, thus inhibiting its activity.
At an inhibitory synapse, the presynaptic neuron releases inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glycine, which bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. These neurotransmitters then cause a decrease in the excitability of the postsynaptic neuron by hyperpolarizing its membrane potential, making it less likely to generate an action potential or propagate electrical signals.
Inhibitory synapses play a vital role in maintaining balance and regulating neuronal activity throughout the nervous system. They function as a counterbalance to excitatory synapses, which transmit signals that increase the excitability of the postsynaptic neuron. By inhibiting or dampening excessive neuronal activity, inhibitory synapses prevent the nervous system from becoming overly active or hyperexcitable, ensuring the maintenance of proper physiological and behavioral processes.
The dysregulation or dysfunction of inhibitory synapses can lead to various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and movement disorders, highlighting their significance in the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for INHIBITORY SYNAPSE
- unhibitory synapse
- jnhibitory synapse
- knhibitory synapse
- onhibitory synapse
- 9nhibitory synapse
- 8nhibitory synapse
- ibhibitory synapse
- imhibitory synapse
- ijhibitory synapse
- ihhibitory synapse
- ingibitory synapse
- inbibitory synapse
- innibitory synapse
- injibitory synapse
- inuibitory synapse
- inyibitory synapse
- inhubitory synapse
- inhjbitory synapse
- inhkbitory synapse
- inhobitory synapse
Etymology of INHIBITORY SYNAPSE
The word "inhibitory" comes from the Latin word "inhibere", which means to hold back or to restrain. It is derived from the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and "habere" meaning "to have". In the context of a synapse, "inhibitory" refers to a synapse that inhibits or suppresses the activity of the neuron it connects to.
The term "synapse" comes from the Greek word "synapsis", which means "a joining together" or "a clasp". It is derived from the prefix "syn-" meaning "together" and "haptein" meaning "to clasp". In the context of neurobiology, a synapse refers to the junction between two neurons, where information is transmitted from one neuron to another.
