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Synaptic Signaling

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...

Synaptic Signaling

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.

The Synapse

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.

Integration of Synaptic Events

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...

Glial Cells

Glial Cells

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Sensing and Regulating Synaptic Activity by Astrocytes at Tripartite Synapse.

José Antonio Noriega-Prieto¹, Alfonso Araque²

¹Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.

Neurochemical Research

|April 10, 2021

Summary

Astrocytes play a crucial role in brain function by actively participating in synaptic signaling. This review explores how astrocyte signaling diversity impacts neural networks and behavior.

Keywords:

Astrocytes Gliotransmission Network function Synaptic function Tripartite synapse

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Published on: March 11, 2020

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Synaptic Physiology

Background:

Astrocytes, once considered passive support cells, are now recognized for their active role in synaptic function.
The Tripartite Synapse concept highlights the dynamic interaction between astrocytes and neuronal elements.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on astrocyte signaling within the tripartite synapse.
To discuss the implications of this signaling heterogeneity for neural network function and animal behavior.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent representative examples.
Discussion of experimental findings and their interpretations.

Main Results:

Astrocytes exhibit diverse signaling mechanisms that modulate synaptic transmission.
Heterogeneity in astrocyte signaling influences the overall function of neural networks.
These signaling pathways have demonstrable consequences on animal behavior.

Conclusions:

Astrocytes are integral components of synaptic circuits, actively shaping neural information processing.
Understanding astrocyte signaling heterogeneity is key to comprehending complex brain functions and behaviors.