inhibisyon

Inhibisyon, or inhibition in English, is the term used to describe the act of preventing, restraining, or reducing a process, response, or behavior. It can occur at multiple levels of organization—from molecules to organisms—and is essential for regulating systems, maintaining balance, and adapting to environmental changes. The term is widely used in science and everyday language.

In the nervous system, inhibition reduces neuronal excitability and activity. Inhibitory synapses release neurotransmitters such as GABA or glycine, causing hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron and a lower chance of firing. This mechanism helps shape sensory processing, motor control, attention, and rhythmic activity, and imbalances may contribute to conditions such as epilepsy or anxiety.

In biochemistry, enzyme inhibition refers to a decrease in enzyme activity caused by an inhibitor molecule. Inhibitors can be competitive, binding the active site; noncompetitive, binding elsewhere; or irreversible. Inhibition serves as a key regulatory mechanism in metabolism, including feedback inhibition where end products downregulate earlier steps to control pathway flux.

In psychology, behavioral inhibition describes a tendency to withdraw from unfamiliar situations or people. It relates to temperament, anxiety, and social development, and can influence risk assessment and learning. Behavioral inhibition is observable in childhood and can vary with context and experience.

In pharmacology, inhibition affects drug action and metabolism, including interactions that alter drug levels. Inhibitors are also used therapeutically, such as enzyme or protease inhibitors, and are a focus of research for treating diseases.