What is the difference between an excitatory and inhibitory neuron?

Excitatory neurons:

* Increase the likelihood that a postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential

* Have neurotransmitter receptors that allow the entry of positively charged ions into the neuron

* Cause depolarization of the postsynaptic neuron

Inhibitory neurons:

* Decrease the likelihood that a postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential

* Have neurotransmitter receptors that allow the entry of negatively charged ions into the neuron

* Cause hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron

In summary, the main difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurons is the effect that they have on the postsynaptic neuron. Excitatory neurons make it more likely that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential, while inhibitory neurons make it less likely. This is due to the different neurotransmitter receptors that they have. Excitatory neurons have receptors that allow the entry of positively charged ions, which depolarizes the neuron and makes it more likely to fire. Inhibitory neurons have receptors that allow the entry of negatively charged ions, which hyperpolarizes the neuron and makes it less likely to fire.