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Neuronal Communication

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...

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.

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.

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...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Published on: March 20, 2014

Neuron-astrocyte communication and synaptic plasticity.

Sónia Paixão¹, Rüdiger Klein

¹Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max-Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

|May 18, 2010

Summary

Astrocytes, crucial brain cells, regulate neural function by managing neurotransmitters and influencing synaptic plasticity. Their network communication and vascular links impact brain circuits and behavior.

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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 13, 2026

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Published on: March 20, 2014

Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: August 16, 2018

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

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

Published on: October 4, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

Astrocytes form close contacts with synapses.
They secrete neuroactive substances and remove neurotransmitters.
Astrocytes influence information processing in the nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

Review recent work on astrocytes.
Elucidate astrocyte roles in regulating neuronal function and synaptic plasticity.
Understand astrocyte contributions to synaptic transmission, plasticity, and behavior.

Main Methods:

Review of recent scientific literature.
Analysis of astrocytic functions at the synaptic level.
Examination of astrocyte network communication and vascular interactions.

Main Results:

Astrocytes modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity through secreted factors and transporters.
Astrocytic networks influence larger neural circuits.
Astrocytes link neurons and vasculature, affecting cerebral microcirculation.

Conclusions:

Astrocytes are key regulators of neuronal function and synaptic plasticity.
Astrocytic networks and vascular interactions significantly impact brain function.
Specific astrocytic molecules and transporters are critical for behavior.