Excitatory Signals
Definition
Excitatory signals are electrical signals that increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential.
Analogy
Think of excitatory signals like the cheering crowd at a sports game. The louder and more enthusiastic they cheer, the more likely the team (or in this case, the neuron) is to perform (fire an action potential).
Related terms
Inhibitory Signals: These are electrical signals that decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential.
Neurotransmitters: These are chemical messengers that transmit messages from one neuron to another.
Receptor Sites: These are locations on a receptor neuron into which specific neurotransmitter fits like a key into a lock.
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