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- Glossary
Glutamate
Glutamate is an amino acid and the most important excitatory neurotransmitter, which acts as a messenger substance in the transmission of information between neurons at their synapses.
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- Glossary
Granule cell
Relatively small nerve cells found in the cortex (cerebral cortex), hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and cerebellum. In the cortex, they are primarily located in layer IV and are predominantly excitatory. In the cortex of the cerebellum, they constitute 99% of the cells and form the parallel fibers.
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- Glossary
Neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger, an intermediary substance. It is released by the sender neuron at the sites of cell-cell communication and has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the receiver neuron.
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- Glossary
Receptor
A receptor is a protein, usually located in the cell membrane or inside the cell, that recognizes a specific external signal (e.g., a neurotransmitter, hormone, or other ligand) and causes the cell to trigger a defined response. Depending on the type of receptor, this response can be excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory.
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- Glossary
Sympathetic nervous system
Part of the autonomic nervous system, whereby the sympathetic nervous system primarily transmits excitatory impulses – in contrast to its counterpart, the parasympathetic nervous system. For example, the sympathetic nervous system activates respiration, the heart, and circulation, but it also affects the smooth muscles of all internal organs. The sympathetic nervous system uses the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and norepinephrine.
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- Percieve
- Hearing
Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus: The annoying whistling and buzzing does not originate in the ear, but in the brain.
28.10.2025
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- News from the Institutes
How disturbed signaling pathways could promote epileptic seizures
For the first time, a research team in Bonn is systematically investigating the role of the dopamine system in a common form of therapy-resistant epilepsy.
15.04.2025
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- Diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis – a Medical Challenge
Multiple sclerosis is incurable, but there are a variety of treatment options available.
20.02.2026
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Cerebellum
Highly aesthetic, but long underestimated: the cerebellum does more than just coordinate movements.
05.08.2025
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- News from the Institutes
A familiar voice shapes how zebra finches hear and respond
Neurons that control when zebra finches call back fire more strongly when the caller is familiar
11.03.2026
