Question

Describe the role and effect of synaptic inhibition.

Answer 1

Synaptic inhibition is just as important as excitation and is found all around the brain and nervous system. It is caused by the release of chemical transmitter substances, the most common of which is GABA. Excitation pushes neurons toward the direction of firing. It activates neurons. Inhibition pushes neurons away from firing. It makes it harder to fire them. Without inhibition, neurons would be too likely to fire. In one example, the lack of an inhibitory transmitter (glycine) results in opposing muscles (like biceps and triceps) activating at the same time. The result is a convulsion. The glycine is knocked out by strychnine poisoning.