Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

What best describes the release of neurotransmitters in the brain?

1. Excites neighboring cells

2. Excites neighboring cells only if it binds with a receptor

3. Excites or inhibits neighboring cells if it binds with a receptor

4. Inhibits neighboring cells

The correct answer is: Excites or inhibits neighboring cells if it binds with a receptor

The release of neurotransmitters in the brain is best described by the idea that they can either excite or inhibit neighboring cells, depending on the type of receptor they bind to. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft, where they can then attach to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. When a neurotransmitter binds to receptors that are typically associated with excitatory actions, it may cause depolarization of the postsynaptic cell, leading to an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). Conversely, if the neurotransmitter binds to receptors that facilitate inhibitory effects, it can result in hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron, producing an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). This dual capability of neurotransmitters to either promote or inhibit action potentials in neighboring neuron is fundamental to the modulation of neural circuitry. The choice that states that neurotransmitters excite neighboring cells only if they bind with a receptor does not encompass the complete range of actions these neurotransmitters can have, as it overlooks their potential inhibitory effects. Likewise, focusing solely on excitation or inhibition without addressing the receptor's role would fail to convey the complexity of neurotransmitter interactions.