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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.
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Neuroplasticity01:01

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.
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 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 and remodeling.

ZhenGe Luo1

  • 1Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. zgluo@ion.ac.cn.

Science China. Life Sciences
|July 3, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review details synapse development, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying synapse formation and plasticity. It highlights research from China (1999-2009) on neuronal connections crucial for brain function.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Synapses are fundamental for neuronal communication, enabling brain functions like learning and memory.
  • The human brain contains billions of neurons, each with thousands of synaptic inputs.
  • Synapses are complex, asymmetric structures involving pre-synaptic, synaptic cleft, and post-synaptic components.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in synapse development.
  • To emphasize research on synapse formation and plasticity conducted in China between 1999 and 2009.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications.
  • Focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms of synapse formation.
  • Analysis of factors regulating synaptic plasticity.

Main Results:

  • Synapse formation requires diverse molecules, including cell adhesion molecules and signaling proteins.
  • Synaptic plasticity involves structural and functional changes regulated by neuronal activity and secreted factors.
  • Significant contributions to understanding synapse development were made by Chinese research groups during the specified period.

Conclusions:

  • Synapse development and plasticity are intricate processes involving multiple molecular players.
  • Continued research is vital for understanding neuronal system functions and neurological disorders.
  • The review underscores the progress in neuroscience research, particularly in China, over a decade.