interneuron inhibitory interneuron https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000498 FMA:84776 Inhibitory interneurons, often referred to as local circuit neurons, are integral components of the central nervous system where they play key roles in refining neural circuits and shaping network activity. Known for their inhibitory nature, these neurons form connections mainly within the same region of the brain or spinal cord where they are located. This localization allows them to impact the activities of nearby excitatory neurons by means of inhibitory networks to inhibit or reduce the likelihood of the firing of these excitatory neurons. Functionally, Inhibitory Interneurons serve as primary regulators and modulators of the output of nerve cells, orchestrating a balance between excitatory and inhibitory activities in neural networks. It is through their characteristic release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine, that they manage to suppress postsynaptic potentials, preventing or reducing the propagation of action potentials. This regulation is not only essential for maintaining equilibrium within the nervous system, but also helps prevent conditions that arise from excessive neuronal activities, such as epilepsy. Inhibitory Interneurons, while relatively small in number compared to their excitatory counterparts, exhibit considerable diversity in their structure, function, and neurochemical expression. They are broadly categorized into multiple subtypes, each with its unique influence on neural circuit behavior and role in different behaviors or cognitive processes. For instance, certain subtypes are involved with timing and synchrony of neural activity, while others participate in contrast enhancement in sensory processing or in isolating specific activity patterns. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) inhibitory interneuron ZFA:0009225 An interneuron (also called relay neuron, association neuron or local circuit neuron) is a multipolar neuron which connects afferent neurons and efferent neurons in neural pathways. Like motor neurons, interneuron cell bodies are always located in the central nervous system (CNS).