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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.
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...
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 21, 2026

Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice
08:27

Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice

Published on: March 11, 2020

Tripartite synapses: astrocytes process and control synaptic information.

Gertrudis Perea1, Marta Navarrete, Alfonso Araque

  • 1Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28002, Spain.

Trends in Neurosciences
|July 21, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The tripartite synapse involves communication between astrocytes and neurons, challenging the view that only neurons drive brain function. Astrocytes actively process information, highlighting the importance of glial cells in nervous system function.

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Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice
08:27

Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice

Published on: March 11, 2020

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

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
  • Synaptic Physiology
  • Astrocyte Biology

Background:

  • The classic view of synaptic function involves a bipartite synapse between pre- and postsynaptic neurons.
  • Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, have increasingly been recognized for their active role in synaptic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the concept of the tripartite synapse.
  • To highlight the role of astrocytes as active partners in synaptic function and information processing.
  • To present the emerging view of brain function arising from coordinated neuronal and glial activity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on astrocyte-neuron communication.
  • Analysis of evidence demonstrating astrocyte integration and processing of synaptic information.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of astrocyte influence on synaptic transmission and plasticity.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytes engage in bidirectional communication with neurons.
  • Astrocytes respond to synaptic activity and regulate synaptic transmission.
  • Astrocytes are integral to information processing, transfer, and storage in the nervous system.

Conclusions:

  • The tripartite synapse model emphasizes the active role of astrocytes in synaptic function.
  • Brain function is increasingly understood as a product of coordinated activity between neurons and glia.
  • Astrocytes are crucial cellular elements in the nervous system's information processing network.