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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.
Electrical Synapses01:28

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...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light
11:36

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light

Published on: February 10, 2017

The upside of APP at synapses.

Hyang-Sook Hoe1, Hey-Kyoung Lee, Daniel T S Pak

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. hh69@georgetown.edu

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|January 5, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves memory loss linked to synapse loss. This review explores how amyloid precursor protein (APP) normally supports synapses and learning, distinct from its harmful Aβ peptide effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by memory dysfunction and synapse loss.
  • Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its Aβ peptide are implicated in AD pathogenesis, with APP overexpression linked to Aβ accumulation, decreased synaptic activity, and dendritic spine loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the normal physiological functions of full-length APP at synapses and spines.
  • To elucidate the role of APP in learning and memory, independent of Aβ effects.
  • To understand APP's broader functions in neuronal development and motility.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing in vitro and in vivo studies.
  • Analysis of research on APP's role in synaptic plasticity and neuronal development.

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DetectSyn: A Rapid, Unbiased Fluorescent Method to Detect Changes in Synapse Density

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Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
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Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Published on: April 23, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light
11:36

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light

Published on: February 10, 2017

DetectSyn: A Rapid, Unbiased Fluorescent Method to Detect Changes in Synapse Density
09:10

DetectSyn: A Rapid, Unbiased Fluorescent Method to Detect Changes in Synapse Density

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Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
10:52

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Published on: April 23, 2019

  • Synthesis of findings on APP's physiological functions versus pathological Aβ effects.

    • Main Results:

    • Full-length APP promotes synaptic activity, synapse formation, and dendritic spine formation.
    • These normal functions of APP are opposite to the detrimental effects of pathological Aβ accumulation.
    • APP also plays roles in cell motility, neuronal migration, and neurite outgrowth.

    Conclusions:

    • APP has critical physiological roles at synapses and in neuronal development, independent of Aβ.
    • Understanding these normal functions is key to deciphering synaptic dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease.
    • APP's multifaceted roles highlight its importance in neuronal health and cognitive function.