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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.

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.

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...

Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters

Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters

When an action potential reaches the presynaptic axon terminal, it releases neurotransmitters from the neuron into the synaptic cleft at a chemical synapse. The released neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory. The critical criteria commonly used to determine whether a molecule is a neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse are the molecule's presence in the presynaptic neuron. Second, its release is in response to strong presynaptic depolarization. And lastly, the presence of specific...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Published on: October 14, 2012

Extrasynaptic neuron-glia communication: The how and why.

Christian Lohr¹, Anne Thyssen, Daniela Hirnet

¹Division of Animal Physiology; University of Hamburg; Hamburg.

Communicative & Integrative Biology

|April 22, 2011

Summary

Extrasynaptic neurotransmitter release from sensory axons triggers glial calcium signals, leading to blood vessel responses. This suggests glial cells mediate neurovascular coupling even in non-synaptic brain areas.

Keywords:

axonal neurotransmitter release calcium signaling glial cells neurovascular coupling olfactory bulb olfactory ensheathing cells purinergic signaling

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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

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Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Published on: October 14, 2012

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

Published on: November 16, 2010

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

Published on: July 31, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Neurophysiology

Background:

Chemical synaptic transmission occurs at specialized neuron-neuron contacts.
Extrasynaptic neurotransmitter release, particularly targeting glial cells, is increasingly recognized.
The role of extrasynaptic signaling in neurovascular coupling in non-synaptic regions is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanism of extrasynaptic glutamate and ATP release along sensory axons.
To determine if extrasynaptic glial calcium signaling influences neurovascular coupling.

Main Methods:

Investigated extrasynaptic transmitter release in the olfactory nerve layer.
Utilized calcium imaging to detect glial calcium transients.
Monitored vasoresponses in conjunction with glial calcium signaling.

Main Results:

Extrasynaptic glutamate and ATP release were mediated by calcium-dependent vesicle fusion.
This release triggered calcium transients in adjacent glial cells.
Glial calcium transients were coupled to vasoresponses.

Conclusions:

Extrasynaptic transmitter release from sensory axons can activate glial cells.
Glial calcium signaling mediates neurovascular coupling in non-synaptic brain regions.
Findings expand the understanding of neurovascular regulation beyond traditional synaptic pathways.