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Neurotransmitters:  Excitatory and Inhibitory

  

In order to activate an alphamotor neuron, we use neurotransmitters.  We have to use a neurotransmitter at a synapse (including the neuromuscular junction) because there is no physical contact. 

Two forms of neurotransmitters:

  1. Excitatory
  2. Inhibitory

In order for the cell of the postsynaptic end to respond, some of the neurotransmitters must reach a threshold concentration.  The concentration reaches is affected by both excitatory and inhibitory signals. 

Example: 

Assume that 200 units is threshold for the example cell. 

There are 300 excitatory neurotransmitter units released.  This is in excess of 200 units, so if only excitatory neurotransmitters were present then threshold would be reached.  However, there are 150 inhibitory neurotransmitter units released as well.  300 –150 = 150 units.  Therefore, input into that cell is not enough to create threshold and cell will not fire. 

In summary, there are three ways to get the postsynaptic cell to fire.

  1. Increase excitatory input
  2. Decrease inhibitory input
  3. Some combination of both (the most common).  
  
 
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