| excitatory synapse | <physiology> A synapse (either chemical or electrical) in which an action potential in the presynaptic cell increases the probability of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic cell. See: inhibitory synapse. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| local excitatory state | Increased irritability of a nerve fibre or muscle fibre which is produced by an ineffective electrical stimulus; summation of the stimuli may occur, resulting in a propagated impulse if two or more subliminal stimuli are applied in rapid succession. (05 Mar 2000) |