Which type of neuron is responsible for exciting target neurons?

The type of neuron responsible for exciting target neurons is indeed the excitatory neuron. These neurons release neurotransmitters that lead to the depolarization of the postsynaptic neuron, increasing the likelihood that the target neuron will fire an action potential. This mechanism is crucial in various brain functions, including learning, memory, and overall neural communication.

Excitatory neurons typically release neurotransmitters such as glutamate, which bind to receptors on the target neurons and alter their electrical state, enhancing their activity. This role is essential for processes like muscle contraction, synaptic plasticity, and the transmission of signals within the nervous system.

In contrast, inhibitory neurons would release neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of the target neuron firing, thus suppressing activity. Receptive neurons are not a defined type of neuron; they typically refer to sensory neurons that receive signals but do not categorize the function of excitatory neurons. Motor neurons, while they can also excite target cells, focus specifically on conveying signals from the central nervous system to muscles to induce movement, but they do not solely describe the excitatory nature of some interneurons in neural circuits.