Figure 5.14 The generation of an IPSP.  (a) An impulse arriving in the presynaptic terminal causes the release of neurotransmitter. (b) The molecules bind to transmitter-gated ion channels in the postsynaptic membrane.  If Cl^- enters the postsynaptic cell through the open channels, the membrane will become hyperpolarized Because E_Cl is more negative than V_m of the resting membrane.  (c)  The resulting change in membrane potential (V_m) as recorded by a microelectrode in the cell, is the IPSP.