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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.
Neural Circuits01:25

Neural Circuits

Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and &ldquo;Neuron Ball&rdquo; Culture
10:17

Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture

Published on: August 2, 2019

Synapse formation in developing neural circuits.

Daniel A Colón-Ramos1

  • 1Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Current Topics in Developmental Biology
|May 12, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This chapter explores how early developmental events orchestrate synapse formation in the nervous system, focusing on conserved molecular mechanisms across species. Understanding these processes is key to deciphering neural network development and neurological disorders.

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Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors
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Visualization of Thalamocortical Axon Branching and Synapse Formation in Organotypic Cocultures
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Visualization of Thalamocortical Axon Branching and Synapse Formation in Organotypic Cocultures

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and &ldquo;Neuron Ball&rdquo; Culture
10:17

Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture

Published on: August 2, 2019

Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors
07:51

Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors

Published on: November 14, 2014

Visualization of Thalamocortical Axon Branching and Synapse Formation in Organotypic Cocultures
06:16

Visualization of Thalamocortical Axon Branching and Synapse Formation in Organotypic Cocultures

Published on: March 28, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Synapses are crucial macromolecular structures regulating intercellular communication and information flow in neural networks.
  • The precise formation of synapses dictates neural network connectivity and functionality, impacting behavior.
  • Dysregulation of synapse formation is implicated in various neurological disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the early developmental events that orchestrate synaptogenesis, focusing on pre-activity-dependent mechanisms.
  • To highlight conserved molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in synapse formation.
  • To provide a framework for understanding how precise neural wiring is achieved during development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature, with a focus on invertebrate models (C. elegans and Drosophila) and conserved molecular principles.
  • Analysis of neurodevelopmental processes including cell fate specification, migration, axon guidance, and target selection.
  • Discussion of evolutionarily conserved synaptic structures and their regulatory signals.

Main Results:

  • Synapse formation requires the coordinated execution of multiple developmental events.
  • Conserved molecular signals and evolutionarily optimized synaptic structures facilitate precise neural wiring.
  • Disparate developmental processes are intricately linked at a molecular level to orchestrate circuit assembly.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the molecular orchestration of early synaptogenesis is critical for comprehending nervous system development and function.
  • Lessons from invertebrate systems offer valuable insights into conserved mechanisms of neural circuit formation.
  • Multifunctional signaling cues play a pivotal role in coordinating synaptic partner interactions and achieving precise neural connectivity.