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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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Neuron Structure01:31

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Overview
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Neuron Structure01:30

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Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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Chemical Synapses01:26

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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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: Nov 2, 2025

An Optical Assay for Synaptic Vesicle Recycling in Cultured Neurons Overexpressing Presynaptic Proteins
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Invaginating Structures in Synapses - Perspective.

Ronald S Petralia1, Pamela J Yao2, Dimitrios Kapogiannis2

  • 1Advanced Imaging Core, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.

Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience
|June 10, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Synaptic invaginations, often overlooked, are crucial for synapse development and function. Advanced microscopy reveals their significant roles in sensory processing, learning, and memory across diverse animal species.

Keywords:
Drosophilainvaginationplanariaretinaspinespinule

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Synaptic invaginating structures are widespread but poorly understood due to imaging limitations.
  • Early electron microscopy (EM) studies often misidentified these complex structures.
  • Recent advances in microscopy are improving resolution and revealing their true nature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the morphology and arrangement of synaptic invaginations using advanced techniques.
  • To highlight the underappreciated roles of these structures in synapse development, maintenance, and plasticity.
  • To emphasize their importance in sensory integration, learning, and memory.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) for high-resolution imaging.
  • Applying experimental techniques to study synapse structure and function.
  • Examining invaginating structures in diverse animal models, including Drosophila and mice.

Main Results:

  • FIB-SEM provides unprecedented detail of synaptic invaginations.
  • Evidence suggests these structures are integral to synapse development and plasticity.
  • Elaborate invaginations are observed in synapses critical for rapid signal integration (e.g., vision, muscle control).

Conclusions:

  • Synaptic invaginations play vital roles in neural function, particularly in sensory processing and information integration.
  • Future research should prioritize understanding the contributions of these structures to learning and memory.
  • Advanced imaging techniques are essential for fully characterizing synaptic invaginations and their functions.