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Related Concept Videos

The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

132.2K
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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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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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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Electrical Synapses01:28

Electrical Synapses

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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.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
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Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy
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Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

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Illuminating Relationships Between the Pre- and Post-synapse.

Thomas M Sanderson1, John Georgiou1, Graham L Collingridge1,2,3

  • 1Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Frontiers in Neural Circuits
|April 21, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Investigating excitatory synapses reveals that presynaptic activity and postsynaptic function are closely linked. Optophysiology tools help uncover these correlations, advancing our understanding of synaptic plasticity and regulation.

Keywords:
AMPA receptorimagingmGluRspostsynapsepresynapseprobability of neurotransmitter releasestyryl dyessynaptic function

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Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 23, 2025

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Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Synaptic Physiology

Background:

  • Mammalian cortical excitatory synapses exhibit diverse structures and functions.
  • Synaptic features suggest a high degree of coordination between pre- and postsynaptic components.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between presynaptic activity and postsynaptic function at excitatory synapses.
  • To review the application of optophysiology in studying pre- and postsynaptic correlations.
  • To understand how presynaptic function influences postsynaptic properties, particularly glutamate receptor regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, including optophysiology, to investigate individual synapses.
  • Correlating presynaptic activity levels with postsynaptic function at the synaptic level.
  • Examining synaptic properties from the submicron to the dendritic level.

Main Results:

  • Neuronal activity dynamically links presynaptic and postsynaptic elements.
  • Specific synapse subsets demonstrate differential susceptibility to synaptic plasticity.
  • Imaging techniques reveal correlations in synaptic properties across multiple scales.

Conclusions:

  • Optophysiology offers high spatial resolution and control, making it ideal for studying pre- and postsynaptic relationships.
  • Understanding postsynaptic properties in the context of presynaptic function is crucial for addressing synaptic physiology questions.
  • Further application of optical tools will illuminate synaptic coordination and plasticity.