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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

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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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The Neuromuscular Junction01:19

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The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
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Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

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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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Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

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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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Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

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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.
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The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Study Motor Skill Learning by Single-pellet Reaching Tasks in Mice
06:04

Study Motor Skill Learning by Single-pellet Reaching Tasks in Mice

Published on: March 4, 2014

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Synapses need coordination to learn motor skills.

Kea Joo Lee, Im Joo Rhyu, Daniel T S Pak

    Reviews in the Neurosciences
    |February 26, 2014
    PubMed
    Summary

    Motor skill learning involves synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum. New research reveals how strengthening some synapses and weakening others through specific structural changes enhances motor learning and memory.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Cellular Biology
    • Motor Control

    Background:

    • Synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), is crucial for learning and memory in the central nervous system.
    • The cerebellum plays a key role in motor learning, but the structural mechanisms underlying LTP and LTD in this region remain unclear.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the structural correlates and operational mechanisms of complementary interplay between LTP and LTD in Purkinje cells during motor skill learning.
    • To elucidate how synaptic modifications contribute to information storage and motor skill retention.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized three-dimensional electron microscopy to examine Purkinje cell dendrites in motor skill-trained animals.
    • Analyzed structural changes at parallel fiber synapses, including the formation of multiple-synapse boutons (MSBs) and postsynaptic density (PSD) size.

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    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: May 2, 2026

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    Main Results:

    • Complex motor skill training induced strengthening of specific parallel fiber synapses via MSB formation contacting spine pairs.
    • Neighboring synapses were weakened by a reduction in PSD size, indicating a coordinated structural modification.
    • These changes were observed in local dendritic segments of Purkinje cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Orchestrated structural modifications of neighboring synapses sharpen synaptic weight contrast.
    • This synaptic sharpening enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, facilitating optimal motor skill retention.
    • The findings suggest a complementary interplay between LTP and LTD at the structural level for cerebellar motor learning.