An excitatory neurotransmitter is one that

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Question restatement: An excitatory neurotransmitter is one that

Key concept: An excitatory neurotransmitter typically promotes the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential. This usually happens because it opens ion channels that allow positive ions (like Na+) to enter the neuron, causing depolarization and moving the membrane potential toward the threshold for firing.

First, consider what excitatory means in synaptic transmission: when transmission is excitatory, the postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is depolarizing. This reduces the distance to the action potential threshold, making the neuron more excitable in the moment of the synaptic input.

If we reflect on the provided correct option (Makes the receiving neuron more likely to fire an action potential):
- It correctly describes the functional outcome of an excitatory neurotransmitter: an increased probability of an action potential.
- This aligns with the typical mechanism of excitatory amino acids like glutamate, which promote depolarization and EPSPs at the postsynaptic membrane.

Note on the absence of options: The original data did not include a list of answer choices to analyze individually. In a complete item, we would contrast the excitatory case with inhibitory neurotransmitters, which hyperpolarize the postsynaptic membrane or stabilize it against firing, thereby decreasing the likelihood of an action potential and producing an IPSP (inhibitory postsynaptic potential).

Additional context: The key distinction between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters lies in the postsynaptic effect, not in the neurotransmitter label alone. Some neurotransmitters can be excitatory in one receptor context and inhibitory in another, depending on receptor types and ion channel coupling.

In summary, the statement that an excitatory neurotransmitter makes the receiving neuron more likely to fire an action potential captures the essential functional consequence of excitatory signaling at a synapse.

PSYC1_SP25_A00 Quiz 1

An excitatory neurotransmitter is one that

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