Chapter 12.8, Problem 28LO

Summary Introduction

To explain: The similarities and differences between the action of neurotransmitters in developing both excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (graded potentials) in the receptive segment.

Concept introduction: The neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals released by the neurons and are localized in the presynaptic terminal (terminal end of the axon). These chemical signals are released into the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of another neuron. The neurons that are present in a specific portion of the brain can be directly or indirectly influenced by each neurotransmitter, thereby affecting the behavior.

Postsynaptic potentials are graded potentials that occur in postsynaptic neurons. It is a temporary change in the electrical polarization of the membrane of a neuron. The postsynaptic potentials are of two types, namely excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). When the neuron is depolarized, postsynaptic potentials are more specifically called EPSPs. When the neuron is hyperpolarized, postsynaptic potentials are called IPSPs.