Inhibition occurs when ____.
A) sodium ions (Na+) flood into the axon of a neuron
B) the resting potential of a postsynaptic neuron is moved closer to -55 millivolts
C) a neurotransmitter makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential
D) a neurotransmitter makes a presynaptic neuron more likely to fire

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inhibition occurs when a neurotransmitter makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as hyperpolarization or decreasing the sensitivity of the neuron to excitatory signals. Option A is incorrect as sodium ions flooding into the axon is part of depolarization, which leads to excitation. Option B is incorrect as moving the resting potential closer to -55mV would make the neuron more excitable, not inhibitory. Option D is also incorrect as making a presynaptic neuron more likely to fire would not directly lead to inhibition in the postsynaptic neuron.

Inhibition Occurs When ____