Compare and contrast the mechanisms of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Provide at least two ways that they are similar, and two ways that they differ.
Similarities in excitatory and inhibitory synpases:
1. They are mainly a chemical synpase, ie involves neurotransmitters.
2. They both mediate their effects by opening or closing different ligand gated ion channels on post synaptic membrane.
Differences in excitatory and inhibitory synpases:
1. Neurotransmitters involved are different.
For excitatory synapse: Glutamte, Adrenaline, Acetylcholine,etc
For inhibitory synapse: GABA, glycine, etc
2. Excitatory synapse leads to increased likelihood of development of post synaptic action potential as they open sodium channels.
Inhibitory synpase decreases the likelihood of development of post synaptic action potential as they open chloride channels.
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.