Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

• What are inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Chemical messengers that reduce neuron firing
• What is the effect of hyperpolarizing a neuron?

  It makes the neuron more negatively charged
• How do inhibitory neurotransmitters affect a neuron?

  They reduce the chance of firing an action potential
• How do inhibitory neurotransmitters affect neuron excitability?

  They decrease the overall excitability of the neuron
• What channels open as a result of neurotransmitter binding?

  Cl- and K+ channels
• What is the role of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

  • Prevent neuron firing
  • Balance overall activity in the nervous system
  • Counteract excitatory neurotransmitters
• What are the steps of synaptic inhibition?

  1. Synaptic vesicles release inhibitory neurotransmitters.
  2. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
  3. Cl- and K+ channels open.
  4. Cl- influx and K+ efflux cause hyperpolarization.
  5. Membrane potential becomes more negative, blocking action potential.
• What is the firing threshold for a neuron?

  -55mV
• What might happen without inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  You may feel restless or anxious
• What analogy is used to describe inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  They are like the "brakes" of the nervous system
• What effect do inhibitory neurotransmitters have on mood?

  They help maintain balanced emotions
• What are the main functions of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  • Reduces neuron excitability
  • Prevents overstimulation
  • Regulates mood
  • Supports sleep
• What is the function of GABA?

  Reduces neuron excitability
• What is the function of serotonin?

  Regulates mood and emotions
• How do inhibitory neurotransmitters prevent overstimulation?

  By stopping neurons from firing too much
• What role does GABA play in sleep and anxiety?

  Helps with sleep and anxiety
• How do inhibitory neurotransmitters support sleep?

  They help you relax and sleep well
• What role does serotonin play in the nervous system?

  It regulates mood and reduces aggression
• What does increasing the threshold for action potential mean?

  More stimulation is needed to trigger firing
• What are the key functions of inhibitory neurotransmitters in neuronal communication?

  • Reduce neuron excitability
  • Prevent action potentials
  • Balance excitation and inhibition
  • Help with sleep and anxiety (e.g., GABA)
  • Regulate mood and reduce aggression (e.g., serotonin)
• What is the function of dopamine?

  Controls movement and pleasure
• How does GABA affect brain activity?

  It keeps brain activity stable
• Where do inhibitory neurotransmitters bind in the postsynaptic neuron?

  To specific receptors
• What is the role of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

  They help maintain balance in the nervous system
• Why is the balance between excitation and inhibition important in the nervous system?

  To prevent the nervous system from being overwhelmed
• How does serotonin affect mood?

  It improves mood and reduces aggression
• Why is maintaining balance in the nervous system essential?

  It is crucial for a healthy nervous system
• What role does dopamine play in motor coordination?

  Maintains motor coordination
• How does dopamine affect happiness?

  Boosts happiness
• What happens to the membrane potential during hyperpolarization?

  It becomes more negative
• What are the key inhibitory neurotransmitters and their roles?

  • GABA: Reduces neuron excitability; stabilizes brain activity; aids sleep and anxiety.
  • Serotonin: Regulates mood; improves mood and reduces aggression.
  • Dopamine: Controls movement; maintains motor coordination and boosts happiness.
• What do synaptic vesicles release during synaptic inhibition?

  Inhibitory neurotransmitters
• What is the primary function of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Reducing neuron excitability
• What is the effect of Cl- influx and K+ efflux on the neuron?

  It causes hyperpolarization
• How does hyperpolarization affect action potential generation?

  It blocks action potential generation
• How do inhibitory neurotransmitters affect action potentials?

  They prevent action potentials from occurring
• Which neurotransmitter is known for reducing brain activity and aiding sleep?

  GABA