Whether or not a neurotransmitter is excitatory depends on the response of the postsynaptic receptor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the response of the postsynaptic receptor. If the response of the receptor is to depolarize the cell membrane and increase the likelihood of an action potential, the neurotransmitter is considered excitatory. If the response is to hyperpolarize the membrane and decrease the likelihood of an action potential, the neurotransmitter is considered inhibitory. Therefore, whether or not a neurotransmitter is excitatory depends on the postsynaptic receptor.

Whether or Not a Neurotransmitter Is Excitatory Depends on the Response