Activity on a neuron that, when it returns prohibits future activity on that neuron is called?

Activity on a neuron that, when it returns prohibits future activity on that neuron is called?

• A. Negative feedback
• B. Positive feedback
• C. Inhibition
• D. Facilitation

Answer: (A)

Negative feedback describes a self-limiting process: when the neuron fires, the resulting changes push the system back toward rest and curtail further activity. After a spike, mechanisms like afterhyperpolarization, the refractory period, neurotransmitter depletion, and activation of inhibitory pathways reduce excitability, so the neuron is less likely to fire again right away. This fits the idea of the output (neuronal activity) leading to processes that oppose or diminish future activity, returning the system to baseline. While inhibition directly reduces firing via inhibitory inputs, negative feedback captures the broader pattern of self-limitation that prevents ongoing, runaway activity in the neuron.

Negative feedback describes a self-limiting process: when the neuron fires, the resulting changes push the system back toward rest and curtail further activity. After a spike, mechanisms like afterhyperpolarization, the refractory period, neurotransmitter depletion, and activation of inhibitory pathways reduce excitability, so the neuron is less likely to fire again right away. This fits the idea of the output (neuronal activity) leading to processes that oppose or diminish future activity, returning the system to baseline. While inhibition directly reduces firing via inhibitory inputs, negative feedback captures the broader pattern of self-limitation that prevents ongoing, runaway activity in the neuron.