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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse
09:37

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse

Published on: December 26, 2019

Understanding the structure and function of the immunological synapse.

Michael L Dustin1, Arup K Chakraborty, Andrey S Shaw

  • 1Program in Molecular Pathogenesis, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Pathology, New York University, New York, New York 10016, USA.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|September 17, 2010
PubMed
Summary

The immunological synapse is crucial for T-cell function but remains poorly understood. This review clarifies its definition, formation, and role in T-cell activity.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse
09:37

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Published on: December 26, 2019

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry
08:35

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Published on: January 7, 2019

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • T-cell immunology

Background:

  • The immunological synapse (IS) is a critical structure for adaptive immune responses.
  • Despite extensive research, fundamental aspects of the IS remain debated and require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current controversies and knowledge gaps regarding the immunological synapse.
  • To discuss the definition, formation, and functional significance of the IS in T-cell activation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on the immunological synapse.
  • Synthesis of existing data and identification of key research questions.

Main Results:

  • The definition and precise molecular composition of the IS are still under investigation.
  • The IS plays a significant role in T-cell receptor signaling and downstream effector functions.
  • Current models of IS formation highlight the dynamic rearrangement of cellular components.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to definitively establish the IS definition and its precise role in T-cell immunity.
  • Understanding IS formation and function is key to developing novel immunotherapies.