= Interneuron
An <interneuron> is a <neuron> acting within a neural circuit to connect and transform signals between other <neurons>. Many <interneurons> have local connections, although the category is defined functionally and includes diverse <cell types>. An <interneuron> is not automatically inhibitory: excitatory and inhibitory signalling depend on transmitter, <receptor> and cellular context. <Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts and others>[Section 12.2, Nervous Tissue: functional neuron classes]{ref}
In a <reflex> circuit, an inhibitory <interneuron> can couple activation of one motor pathway to suppression of an opposing one. This gives a concrete computational function: the circuit coordinates two outputs instead of simply forwarding a sensory signal unchanged. Recording one <interneuron>'s activity establishes participation, while changing that activity and measuring the circuit response tests its causal contribution.
Back to article page