Final answer:
Excitatory neurotrasnmitters, like glutamate, increase the likelihood of an action potential being generated in the postsynaptic neuron, while inhibitory neurotransmitters, like GABA, decrease the likelihood of an action potential. Glutamate and GABA play important roles in the transmission of signals in the central nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters play important roles in the transmission of signals between neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter, while gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Glutamate is considered excitatory because it causes depolarization of the postsynaptic cell. This means that it increases the likelihood of an action potential being generated in the postsynaptic neuron, leading to the transmission of an excitatory signal. This is important for processes such as learning and memory.
On the other hand, GABA is considered inhibitory because it causes hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell. This means that it decreases the likelihood of an action potential being generated in the postsynaptic neuron, inhibiting the transmission of signals. GABAergic inhibitory transmission is important for maintaining the balance of neuronal activity and preventing excessive excitatory activity in the brain.