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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 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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Neural Circuits01:25

Neural Circuits

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Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
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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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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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Related Experiment Video

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Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
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Axo-axonic synapses: Diversity in neural circuit function.

Kara K Cover1, Brian N Mathur1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|December 14, 2020
PubMed
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Axo-axonic synapses, where one axon contacts another, are common in the brain. This review explores their role in neural signaling and circuit function, highlighting new research methods.

Keywords:
GABAacetylcholinedopamineelectron microscopyglutamatenorepinephrineserotonin

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Electrophysiological and Morphological Characterization of Neuronal Microcircuits in Acute Brain Slices Using Paired Patch-Clamp Recordings
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Neuroanatomy

Background:

  • Chemical synapses are primary neuronal communication points in the central nervous system.
  • Common synapse types include axo-dendritic and axo-somatic.
  • Non-canonical synapses, like axo-axonic synapses, are widespread and crucial for neural circuits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for axo-axonic synapse contributions to neural signaling.
  • To survey functional neural circuit motifs enabled by axo-axonic synapses.
  • To discuss advanced methods for identifying and assaying axo-axonic synapses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on axo-axonic synapses.
  • Analysis of neural circuit motifs involving axo-axonic connections.
  • Discussion of emerging technologies (microscopy, transgenics, sensors) for synapse research.

Main Results:

  • Axo-axonic synapses are prevalent and play significant roles in neural signaling.
  • These synapses enable specific functional neural circuit motifs.
  • Recent technological advancements offer new avenues for studying these synapses.

Conclusions:

  • Axo-axonic synapses are critical, understudied components of neural circuits.
  • Further research using advanced techniques is needed to fully understand their function.
  • Understanding axo-axonic synapses is key to deciphering complex brain function.