In which structures of the cerebral cortex is the process of internal inhibition primarily localized?

Internal inhibition is primarily localized directly within the cortical representation cells of the conditioned stimuli. However, according to modern data, inhibition does not disrupt the reflex arc structure itself; instead, it is implemented on the effector pathways forming the components of the reflex. This creates a phenomenon known as schizokinesis, where the specific response is inhibited while autonomic components continue to be registered.

What autonomic parameters, besides respiratory rate, change during the development of extinction?

In addition to respiratory changes, alterations in heart rate are registered when a specific response is inhibited. Autonomic components, such as heart rate and respiration shifts, continue to be recorded during the inhibition of a specific response (e.g., salivation), a phenomenon termed schizokinesis. Pronounced respiratory changes during extinction indicate the development of negative emotion and a "difficult state" in the animal.

What is the main difference between internal and external inhibition?

Internal inhibition develops within the conditioned reflex arc itself and requires mandatory training (acquisition), whereas external inhibition is innate and occurs spontaneously.

What is Pavlov's "businesslike approach"?

It is a term describing the outcome of delay inhibition, where the animal's response is strictly timed to the moment of reinforcement delivery, without excessive activity during the waiting period.

Why does respiration change during extinction?

Respiratory changes serve as a physiological marker of developing negative emotion and the "difficult state" (according to P.K. Anokhin) experienced by the organism due to the absence of expected reinforcement.

What is the essence of the generalization phase in differentiation?

It is the initial stage of differentiation inhibition where the animal responds to both stimuli—the reinforced and the unreinforced ones—without distinguishing between them yet.

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Conditioned Inhibition

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

Internal or conditioned inhibition is an active neural process that develops directly within the conditioned reflex arc itself. Unlike unconditioned (external) responses, it is not innate and requires specific training conditions for its development, the primary one being the omission of reinforcement.

Main ConditionOmission of reinforcement for a previously established conditioned signal.

Mechanism of ConsolidationFormation of a new *acceptor of action result* in response to non-reinforcement.

SignificanceForms the physiological basis for behavioral regulation, learning rules, and developing self-control.

General Characteristics and Dynamics

Internal inhibition differs fundamentally from external inhibition because it develops within the reflex arc itself. Its emergence requires targeted learning rather than mere distraction.

The dynamics of this state progress through two key stages:

Initial Stage. When a familiar signal is presented without reinforcement, an orienting-investigative response initially occurs (making the presentation outwardly similar to external inhibition). Later, this response transforms into a negative emotion. At first, developing an inhibitory response is difficult, and the organism resists changing its stereotype.
Consolidation Stage. Over time, the process becomes automated and easy to execute. According to the theory of functional systems, the physiological mechanism of this stage involves forming a new acceptor of action result that specifically "expects" the omission of reinforcement.

Extinction and Differentiation Inhibition

Depending on the conditions under which reinforcement is withheld, several distinct types of internal inhibition are distinguished.

Extinction Occurs in a classic scenario: a previously stable conditioned signal simply stops being reinforced by an unconditioned stimulus. If the signal is presented repeatedly without reinforcement, the magnitude of the conditioned response (e.g., salivation) gradually drops to zero. Physiologically, this process is accompanied by distinct changes in the animal's respiration. As P.K. Anokhin noted, such autonomic shifts indicate the development of a profound negative emotion and a so-called "difficult state."

Differentiation Develops when the nervous system must be trained to distinguish between similar stimuli. In this case, one conditioned stimulus receives reinforcement, while another very similar stimulus based on physical parameters does not. The process occurs in two phases:

Phase of generalization: the animal produces a conditioned response to both stimuli without differentiation.
Stage of concentration: the response persists only to the previously reinforced signal and disappears entirely for the unreinforced one.

Differentiation serves as the physiological basis for learning strict behavioral rules.

Delay Inhibition and Conditioned Inhibitor

Delay Inhibition Develops when reinforcement is not entirely omitted, but significantly postponed (delayed) relative to the onset of the conditioned stimulus. If the delay is, for example, 2–3 minutes, inhibition remains active throughout the entire waiting period. Consequently, the alimentary response does not occur immediately to the sound or light, but precisely at the moment of actual food delivery. Ivan Pavlov called this phenomenon a "businesslike approach", as the response is strictly timed to the goal. Developing this type of inhibition plays a crucial role in child rearing, particularly in cultivating self-control and patience.

Conditioned Inhibitor Represents a specific combination of stimuli. If a conditioned stimulus (A) is regularly reinforced on its own, but its simultaneous application with another stimulus (B) is not reinforced, this second agent (B) turns into a conditioned inhibitor. The main feature of a conditioned inhibitor is its broad generalization. This established inhibitory agent can effectively block any other conditioned reflex activity regardless of the specific reflex to which it is subsequently added.

Mnemonic

To quickly remember the types of internal inhibition, use the acronym or sequence: Uncle Dan Drives Cars (Extinction [Ugasatelnoye], Differentiation, Delay, Conditioned Inhibitor [Uslovny tormoz]).

Frequently asked questions

In which structures of the cerebral cortex is the process of internal inhibition primarily localized?: Internal inhibition is primarily localized directly within the cortical representation cells of the conditioned stimuli. However, according to modern data, inhibition does not disrupt the reflex arc structure itself; instead, it is implemented on the effector pathways forming the components of the reflex. This creates a phenomenon known as schizokinesis, where the specific response is inhibited while autonomic components continue to be registered.
What autonomic parameters, besides respiratory rate, change during the development of extinction?: In addition to respiratory changes, alterations in heart rate are registered when a specific response is inhibited. Autonomic components, such as heart rate and respiration shifts, continue to be recorded during the inhibition of a specific response (e.g., salivation), a phenomenon termed schizokinesis. Pronounced respiratory changes during extinction indicate the development of negative emotion and a "difficult state" in the animal.
What is the main difference between internal and external inhibition?: Internal inhibition develops within the conditioned reflex arc itself and requires mandatory training (acquisition), whereas external inhibition is innate and occurs spontaneously.
What is Pavlov's "businesslike approach"?: It is a term describing the outcome of delay inhibition, where the animal's response is strictly timed to the moment of reinforcement delivery, without excessive activity during the waiting period.
Why does respiration change during extinction?: Respiratory changes serve as a physiological marker of developing negative emotion and the "difficult state" (according to P.K. Anokhin) experienced by the organism due to the absence of expected reinforcement.
What is the essence of the generalization phase in differentiation?: It is the initial stage of differentiation inhibition where the animal responds to both stimuli—the reinforced and the unreinforced ones—without distinguishing between them yet.

Go deeper

Formation of the acceptor of action result (according to P.K. Anokhin) under non-reinforcement conditions.
Orienting-investigative response during the initial stage of inhibition.
The role of delay inhibition in shaping higher mental functions in children.
Mechanisms governing the transition from generalization to the concentration stage of excitation and inhibition.