Excitatory synapse

An excitatory synapse is a synapse in which an action potential in the presynaptic cell increases the probability of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic cell (see also: EPSP)).

At an excitatory synapse, the neurotransmitter opens sodium (Na⁺) channels, a slight depolarization of the receiving neuron occurs because of the movement of the positively charged sodium ions into the cell.

• Inhibitory synapses

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