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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.

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...

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.

Chemical Synapses

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 Synapses

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: May 28, 2026

An Optical Assay for Synaptic Vesicle Recycling in Cultured Neurons Overexpressing Presynaptic Proteins

An Optical Assay for Synaptic Vesicle Recycling in Cultured Neurons Overexpressing Presynaptic Proteins

Published on: June 26, 2018

The postsynaptic organization of synapses.

Morgan Sheng¹, Eunjoon Kim

¹The Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Incorporated, San Francisco, California 94080, USA.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

|November 3, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The postsynaptic specialization receives neurotransmitter signals, utilizing ionotropic receptors for glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This complex protein network is crucial for cognitive function and implicated in psychiatric disorders.

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Last Updated: May 28, 2026

An Optical Assay for Synaptic Vesicle Recycling in Cultured Neurons Overexpressing Presynaptic Proteins

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Published on: September 3, 2014

Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient

Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient

Published on: September 17, 2011

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

The postsynaptic side of the synapse is specialized for neurotransmitter signal reception and transduction.
Key components include ionotropic receptors for glutamate (excitatory) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (inhibitory).
These receptors are embedded in a rich protein network at the postsynaptic membrane.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the molecular organization of postsynaptic specializations.
To highlight the differences between excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic structures.
To emphasize the complexity and functional significance of the excitatory postsynaptic density.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing research on synaptic structure and function.
Analysis of molecular components of postsynaptic densities.
Comparison of protein compositions in excitatory versus inhibitory synapses.

Main Results:

Postsynaptic specializations differ significantly in molecular organization between excitatory and inhibitory synapses.
Excitatory postsynaptic densities are particularly complex, containing hundreds of proteins.
This intricate protein network plays a vital role in cognitive functions.

Conclusions:

The molecular composition of the postsynaptic density is dynamic and critical for synaptic function.
Many proteins within the excitatory postsynaptic density are implicated in cognitive processes.
Dysregulation of these components is linked to psychiatric illnesses.