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Related Concept Videos

Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
Electrical Synapses01:28

Electrical Synapses

Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Rewiring Neuronal Circuits: A New Method for Fast Neurite Extension and Functional Neuronal Connection
10:26

Rewiring Neuronal Circuits: A New Method for Fast Neurite Extension and Functional Neuronal Connection

Published on: June 13, 2017

NEUROSCIENCE: Synapses Shout to Overcome Distance.

L Helmuth

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |September 5, 2007
    PubMed
    Summary

    Neurons amplify signals at distant synapses to ensure their messages are heard. This research explains how these crucial nerve cell communications overcome signal decay over distance.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Cell Biology
    • Signal Transduction

    Background:

    • Synapses transmit signals throughout the nervous system.
    • Signal strength diminishes with distance from the synapse to the cell body.
    • The mechanism for effective long-range synaptic signaling remained unclear.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate how signals from distant synapses are effectively transmitted.
    • To understand the mechanism of signal amplification in neurons.
    • To resolve the long-standing question of long-range synaptic communication.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized advanced imaging techniques to observe synaptic activity.
    • Employed electrophysiological recordings to measure signal propagation.
    • Analyzed signal dynamics in response to stimuli at varying distances.

    More Related Videos

    Super-Resolution Imaging to Study Co-Localization of Proteins and Synaptic Markers in Primary Neurons
    14:02

    Super-Resolution Imaging to Study Co-Localization of Proteins and Synaptic Markers in Primary Neurons

    Published on: October 31, 2020

    Perspectives on Neuroscience
    26:41

    Perspectives on Neuroscience

    Published on: July 31, 2007

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

    Rewiring Neuronal Circuits: A New Method for Fast Neurite Extension and Functional Neuronal Connection
    10:26

    Rewiring Neuronal Circuits: A New Method for Fast Neurite Extension and Functional Neuronal Connection

    Published on: June 13, 2017

    Super-Resolution Imaging to Study Co-Localization of Proteins and Synaptic Markers in Primary Neurons
    14:02

    Super-Resolution Imaging to Study Co-Localization of Proteins and Synaptic Markers in Primary Neurons

    Published on: October 31, 2020

    Perspectives on Neuroscience
    26:41

    Perspectives on Neuroscience

    Published on: July 31, 2007

    Main Results:

    • Distant synapses employ a potent amplification mechanism.
    • Signal amplification effectively counteracts signal decay over distance.
    • Amplified signals ensure robust communication with the cell body.

    Conclusions:

    • Neurons actively amplify signals from distant synapses.
    • This amplification is crucial for integrating information across the neural network.
    • The findings provide a new understanding of neural information processing.