Are Axons Inhibitory Or Excitatory? Decoding Neural Signals

Neurons play a crucial role in transmitting information within the brain. The majority of neurons are classified as either excitatory or inhibitory. Excitatory neurons, when they become active, stimulate and trigger neighboring neurons, facilitating the propagation of electrical signals throughout the brain. Conversely, inhibitory neurons perform the opposite function. They release chemical signals that dampen the activity of nearby neurons, reducing the likelihood of these neurons firing their own signals. This balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons is essential for the proper functioning of neural networks and is a fundamental aspect of brain function. (Updated as of October 6, 2021)

The paragraph in question addresses the identification of inhibitory neurons, specifically focusing on a subtype known as PV+ inhibitory neurons. These neurons are typically characterized as fast-spiking basket cells, predominantly located in cortical layers 4 and 5. Their primary synaptic targets are the perisomatic regions of pyramidal neurons. These findings are based on research conducted by Nassar et al. in 2015 and Neske et al. in 2015, which shed light on the specific properties and localization of PV+ inhibitory neurons.