Excitation - GCSE Psychology Definition

What is excitation?

In GCSE psychology, excitation is when a neurotransmitter binds with a receptor on the next neuron, increasing the likelihood that the next neuron will fire an electrical impulse. An example of an excitatory neurotransmitter is adrenaline. Excitation is taught as part of neuropsychology and the brain. 

Excitation occurs at a synapse when an action potential reaches the terminal end of the axon of the presynaptic neurone. Excitatory neurotransmitters are released into the synapse to then bind with receptors on the membrane of the next neurone (postsynaptic neuron), starting another electrical impulse and allowing the action potential to move forward in the next neurone. In contrast, some neurotransmitters are inhibitory; these inhibit an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

Excitation Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Our revision notes on Synaptic Transmission contain all you need to know about excitation for GCSE psychology. This is part of the Brain and Neuropsychology topic. 

Do check out all our resources for GCSE Psychology, where you can find a range of helpful resources such as revision notes, videos, past papers, and student friendly mark schemes. 

GCSE Psychology Revision Resources