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Related Concept Videos

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.
Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
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.
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Astrocytes process synaptic information.

Alfonso Araque1

  • 1Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain. araque@cajal.csic.es

Neuron Glia Biology
|March 3, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes, once viewed as passive support cells, actively process neural information. Their calcium (Ca2+) signals integrate synaptic inputs, demonstrating a crucial role in nervous system communication.

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Dual Electrophysiological Recordings of Synaptically-evoked Astroglial and Neuronal Responses in Acute Hippocampal Slices
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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

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Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Dual Electrophysiological Recordings of Synaptically-evoked Astroglial and Neuronal Responses in Acute Hippocampal Slices
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Dual Electrophysiological Recordings of Synaptically-evoked Astroglial and Neuronal Responses in Acute Hippocampal Slices

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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
18:11

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

Published on: November 16, 2010

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Physiology

Background:

  • Astrocytes were traditionally considered mere supportive cells for neurons.
  • Emerging evidence highlights a bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons.
  • This necessitates a re-evaluation of astrocyte roles in nervous system physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in response to synaptic activity.
  • To explore the integrative properties of astrocytes in information processing.
  • To understand how astrocytes modulate neuronal function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on astrocyte calcium signaling.
  • Analysis of experimental data demonstrating astrocyte responses to synaptic inputs.
  • Examination of the mechanisms underlying astrocyte-neuron communication.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytes exhibit integrative properties, processing synaptic information.
  • Astrocyte Ca2+ signals selectively respond to different axon pathways and synapses.
  • Astrocyte Ca2+ signaling is non-linearly modulated by simultaneous synaptic inputs and intrinsic properties.
  • Astrocyte Ca2+ elevations trigger gliotransmitter release, modulating neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Astrocytes are not just supportive cells but active participants in neural information processing.
  • Bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons is mediated by astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and gliotransmission.
  • Astrocytes play a significant role in synaptic transmission and plasticity.