INHIBITION

• WHAT DOES AN INHIBITORY SYNAPSE DO?

  make it less likely that a new action potential will be produced on the postsynaptic neurone
• PROCESS OF AN INHIBITORY SYNAPSE?

  1. Presynaptic neurone releases a type of neurotransmitter that binds to Cl- protein channels on postsynaptic neurone
  2. Causes Cl- protein channels to open
  3. Cl- move into postsynaptic neurone by facilitated diffusion
  4. Binding of neurotransmitter causes the opening of K+ protein channels
  5. K+ move out postsynaptic neurone into synapse
  6. K+ out and Cl- in make the inside of the postsynaptic membrane more negative (outside is more positive)
  7. Membrane potential increases to -90 mV (hyperpolarisation)
  8. Makes it less likely a new action potential is produced