Synaptic transmission

Synaptic transmission is the transfer of information from a neuron to another cell across a synapse, using chemical signals, electrical currents, or both.

Action potential: A brief, regenerative change in a cell’s membrane voltage that propagates along excitable membranes. Its arrival at a presynaptic terminal triggers many forms of transmission.
Chemical synapse: A junction where one cell communicates with another by releasing chemical messengers into a narrow extracellular cleft. It is the principal site of neurotransmitter-mediated transmission.
Excitatory postsynaptic potential: A graded postsynaptic voltage change that makes action potential generation more likely. It contrasts with inhibitory responses by moving membrane voltage toward firing threshold.
Synaptic plasticity: Activity-dependent change in the strength or properties of a synapse. Transmission changes with use, allowing synapses to alter how strongly they influence targets.
Voltage-gated calcium channel: A membrane protein that opens in response to depolarization and allows calcium ions to enter a cell. Calcium entry links terminal depolarization to neurotransmitter release.
Electrical synapse: A junction where cells exchange ionic current directly through gap junction channels. It provides a direct route for transmission without neurotransmitter release.
Inhibitory postsynaptic potential: A graded postsynaptic voltage change that makes action potential generation less likely. It counteracts excitation through hyperpolarization or conductance changes that inhibit firing.
Long-term potentiation: A persistent increase in synaptic strength following particular patterns of activity. It is a prominent form of plasticity built from changes in synaptic responses.
Synaptic vesicle: A small membrane-bound sac that stores and releases neurotransmitters at chemical synapses. Vesicles package the chemical signal released by the presynaptic cell.
Synaptic cleft: The narrow extracellular gap separating the communicating membranes at a chemical synapse. Released neurotransmitters cross this space to reach postsynaptic receptors.

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