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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.

Neuronal Communication

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...

Overview of Synapses

Overview of Synapses

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...

Chemical Synapses

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Published on: April 23, 2019

Extrasynaptic Communication.

Francisco F De-Miguel^1,2, Carolina Leon-Pinzon¹, Susana G Torres-Platas¹

¹Instituto de Fisiología Celular-Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico.

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience

|May 17, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Neurons release transmitters and peptides extrasynaptically, affecting circuits, glia, and blood vessels. This diffuse communication, unlike localized synaptic release, is crucial for understanding the nervous system.

Keywords:

extrasynaptic release glia modulation nerve cell communication serotonin somatic exocytosis

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Last Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

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Published on: April 23, 2019

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond

Published on: June 24, 2015

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

Published on: January 4, 2010

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology

Background:

Neurons release signaling molecules via exocytosis.
Synaptic exocytosis is localized and well-understood.
Extrasynaptic exocytosis is a less understood but widespread phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe extrasynaptic exocytosis.
To highlight its differences from synaptic exocytosis.
To emphasize its importance in neuronal communication.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on extrasynaptic exocytosis.
Detailed examination of serotonin release in leech Retzius neurons.
Discussion of dopamine and ATP release in the retina.

Main Results:

Extrasynaptic exocytosis releases transmitters and peptides from various neuronal compartments.
This process is diffuse, affecting neuronal circuits, glia, and vasculature.
It involves a multistep mechanism distinct from synaptic release.
Examples include serotonin, dopamine, and ATP release.

Conclusions:

Extrasynaptic exocytosis is a significant mode of neuronal communication.
It impacts glia and blood vessels, influencing functions like light adaptation and blood flow.
Understanding extrasynaptic communication is vital for comprehending the nervous system.