Chapter 11.5, Problem 3QC

Summary Introduction

To review:

The mechanism by which neurotransmitters excite and inhibit the postsynaptic neuron.

Introduction:

Neurotransmitters are small chemical groups that are released from the axon terminals of the neurons. They bind to the specific receptors that are present on the next neuron, called post-synaptic neuron, and initiate a series of reactions that result in the generation of the action potential. The neurotransmitter receptors are present in the form of ligand-gated ion channels, where ligands are the neurotransmitters themselves. They bind to the receptors and initiate the opening of the voltage-gated ion channels. The neurotransmitters might excite the neuron or inhibit it, depending upon the type of voltage-gated ion channels that it has triggered to open.