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Related Concept Videos

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...
The Synapse02:47

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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 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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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...
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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

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

Synaptic energy use and supply.

Julia J Harris1, Renaud Jolivet, David Attwell

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.

Neuron
|September 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Brain energy supply limits neural processing. This study explores how synapses use energy, how ATP is supplied, and how energy disruption causes brain disease.

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Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
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09:02

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Published on: November 11, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Bioenergetics

Background:

  • Neuronal computation demands significant energy, primarily at synapses.
  • The brain's energy budget restricts its information processing capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the relationship between synaptic information transmission and energy consumption.
  • To identify mechanisms supplying ATP to synapses.
  • To examine the impact of synaptic plasticity and brain states on energy use and the consequences of energy disruption in neuropathology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on synaptic energy metabolism.
  • Analysis of ATP supply mechanisms to presynaptic terminals and postsynaptic spines.
  • Assessment of energy demands during synaptic plasticity and altered brain states.

Main Results:

  • Information transmission at synapses is directly linked to energy expenditure.
  • Specific mechanisms ensure adequate ATP supply for synaptic function.
  • Synaptic plasticity and brain state modulate synaptic energy requirements.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding synaptic energy dynamics is crucial for comprehending brain function and dysfunction.
  • Disruptions in synaptic energy supply are implicated in neuropathology.