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Overview of Synapses

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...

The Synapse

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 Events

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 Signaling

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 Signaling

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.

Electrical Synapses

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 13, 2026

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

Published on: January 4, 2010

The synapsins: key actors of synapse function and plasticity.

F Cesca¹, P Baldelli, F Valtorta

¹Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, The Italian Institute of Technology, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.

Progress in Neurobiology

|May 5, 2010

Summary

Synapsins are neuronal phosphoproteins crucial for neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of synapsins is linked to central nervous system diseases like epilepsy and schizophrenia.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

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Published on: January 4, 2010

Evaluation of Synapse Density in Hippocampal Rodent Brain Slices

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

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Published on: August 2, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Synapsins are conserved neuronal phosphoproteins modulating neurotransmitter release.
They tether synaptic vesicles to the actin cytoskeleton at presynaptic terminals.
Emerging evidence suggests roles in synaptic vesicle docking, fusion, and recycling.

Purpose of the Study:

To review synapsin involvement in presynaptic physiology modulation.
To describe the molecular basis of synapsin function.
To overview evidence linking synapsin mutations to CNS diseases.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on synapsins.
Analysis of genetic manipulation data in vivo.
Examination of molecular mechanisms regulating synapsin activity.

Main Results:

Synapsins are vital for fine-tuning neuronal plasticity.
Genetic alterations in synapsins lead to epilepsy and behavioral abnormalities.
Synapsin activity is regulated by kinases and phosphatases.

Conclusions:

Synapsins are key regulators of presynaptic function and neuronal plasticity.
Mutations in synapsins are implicated in severe CNS disorders, including epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Further research into synapsin function is critical for understanding and treating neurological diseases.