Which type of neuron inhibits a target neuron from firing?

Inhibitory neurons play a crucial role in the nervous system by regulating the activity of other neurons, primarily by preventing them from firing. These neurons release neurotransmitters that bind to receptors on the target neuron, leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron's membrane potential. This hyperpolarization increases the threshold needed for the neuron to generate an action potential, thus inhibiting its ability to fire.

For example, in the central nervous system, inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are commonly released by inhibitory neurons to create a calming effect on surrounding neurons. This inhibition is essential for maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition in neural circuits, preventing excessive activity that could lead to conditions such as seizures.

In contrast, excitatory neurons fulfill the opposite function by promoting the generation of action potentials, while motor neurons convey signals to muscles to facilitate movement, and sensory neurons transmit sensory information to the brain. Each plays its unique role, but it is the inhibitory neurons that specifically act to suppress the firing of their target neurons, making them key players in modulating neural activity and maintaining homeostasis within the nervous system.