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Related Concept Videos

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.
Neuronal Communication01:28

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...
Synaptic Signaling01:12

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.
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...
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions
11:08

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

Published on: November 14, 2016

Astrocyte-neuron interaction at tripartite synapses.

Alberto Pérez-Alvarez1, Alfonso Araque

  • 1Instituto Cajal, Doctor Arce 37, Madrid 28002, Spain. araque@cajal.csic.es.

Current Drug Targets
|April 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes, once thought to be mere support cells, actively regulate brain activity and synaptic function. Their communication with neurons is crucial, and its dysfunction may underlie neurological diseases like depression.

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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
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Dual Electrophysiological Recordings of Synaptically-evoked Astroglial and Neuronal Responses in Acute Hippocampal Slices

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions
11:08

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

Published on: November 14, 2016

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
18:11

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

Published on: November 16, 2010

Dual Electrophysiological Recordings of Synaptically-evoked Astroglial and Neuronal Responses in Acute Hippocampal Slices
16:38

Dual Electrophysiological Recordings of Synaptically-evoked Astroglial and Neuronal Responses in Acute Hippocampal Slices

Published on: November 26, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Astrocytes were traditionally viewed as passive support cells for neurons.
  • Emerging evidence highlights astrocytes' active role in regulating neuronal activity, synaptic transmission, and plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical role of astrocyte-neuron communication in synaptic physiology.
  • To discuss the implications of astrocytic functions in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly depression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on astrocyte-neuron interactions.
  • Synthesis of evidence on astrocytic roles in synaptic function and disease.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytes are integral components of synaptic function, modulating neuronal signaling.
  • Disruptions in astrocyte-neuron communication are increasingly linked to neurological disorders.

Conclusions:

  • A revised understanding of astrocytes positions them as key players in brain information processing.
  • Investigating astrocyte-neuron signaling offers new perspectives on the pathophysiology of depression and other brain diseases.