Neurons are like tiny messengers that talk to each other using excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, it’s like they’re giving each other high-fives or thumbs-downs.
Imagine you're playing a game of tag. When someone gives you a high-five, you get excited and run faster, that's like an excitatory neurotransmitter. It helps the neuron fire off a signal to another one, making things happen in your brain.
Now, if someone gives you a thumbs-down instead, you might slow down or even stop, that’s like an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It tells the neuron to take it easy and not send out a signal right away.
Like a Playground
Think of your brain as a big playground. Some kids are always jumping up and shouting, making others join in, these are like excitatory neurotransmitters. Other kids might sit quietly and tell others to calm down, those are inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Together, they help keep everything balanced so you can think, feel, and move without getting too excited or too quiet!
Examples
- A neuron fires like a lightbulb turning on when excitatory neurotransmitters arrive, while inhibitory ones turn it off.
- Excitatory neurotransmitters help you remember your grocery list, while inhibitory ones let you stop thinking about that one annoying song.
Ask a question
See also
- How Does Glutamate Transmitter System Explained (NMDA, AMPA, Kainate, mGluR) | Clip Work?
- How Does Alcohol Effects and Neurotransmitters: The GABA and Glutamate Balance Work?
- How Does 2-Minute Neuroscience: Glutamate Work?
- Who is Neurotransmitter Binding?
- What is neurochemical?