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Synaptic Transmission

Short answer: Neurons communicate at synapses, junctions between two nerve cells. When an action potential reaches the end of the presynaptic neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles.

They cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, opening ion channels. Depending on the neurotransmitter and receptor, the effect excites or inhibits the next neuron. The footage is an animation of a synapse.

VideoWrite-up2 sources

In collections:The Brain

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What should you know about Synaptic Transmission?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Neurons meet at synapses.

    DD-275-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Synapse)

  2. Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles.

    DD-275-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Vesicles)

Video transcript: Synaptic Transmission: Neurons Pass Signals Across a Gap Called the Synaptic Cleft

Did you know, synaptic transmission is the process by which neurons communicate with each other? This communication occurs at the synapse, a specialized junction between two neurons. When an electrical impulse or action potential reaches the end of a presynaptic neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters stored in vesicles. These neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, causing ion channels to open. This can either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron. Depending on the type of neurotransmitter and receptor involved, the precise regulation of synaptic transmission is essential for proper functioning of the nervous system. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 30.7s Reel ·

Video coming soonSynaptic Transmission · Instagram Reel
Synaptic Transmission: Neurons Pass Signals Across a Gap Called the Synaptic Cleft Instagram Reel · · 30.7s

The write-up

Neurons pass signals across a gap called the synaptic cleft. Chemical messengers can excite or inhibit the next neuron.

  1. Exhibit A

    Synapse

    Neurons meet at synapses.

  2. Exhibit B

    Vesicles

    Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles.

  3. Exhibit C

    Cleft

    They cross the synaptic cleft.

  4. Exhibit D

    Receptors

    They bind to receptors.

  5. Exhibit E

    Excite or inhibit

    They can excite or inhibit.

Questions people ask about Synaptic Transmission

Where do neurons communicate?

Junctions.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Synapse) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse

What triggers release?

An electrical impulse.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Vesicles) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse

Where are neurotransmitters stored?

Tiny sacs.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Cleft) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse

What gap do they cross?

Between neurons.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Receptors) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse; Wikipedia: Neurotransmitter

What can the signal do?

Depends on receptor.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Excite or inhibit) · Wikipedia: Neurotransmitter

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. Where do neurons communicate?

    1. At synapses
    2. In bones
    3. In blood
    4. In skin
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. At synapses Junctions. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Synapse) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse

  2. What triggers release?

    1. An action potential
    2. Light
    3. Heat
    4. Sound
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. An action potential An electrical impulse. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Vesicles) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse

  3. Where are neurotransmitters stored?

    1. Vesicles
    2. Nuclei
    3. Ribosomes
    4. Bones
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Vesicles Tiny sacs. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Cleft) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse

  4. What gap do they cross?

    1. The synaptic cleft
    2. The aorta
    3. The cortex
    4. The spine
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. The synaptic cleft Between neurons. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Receptors) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse; Wikipedia: Neurotransmitter

  5. What can the signal do?

    1. Excite or inhibit
    2. Only freeze
    3. Only heat
    4. Nothing
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Excite or inhibit Depends on receptor. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Excite or inhibit) · Wikipedia: Neurotransmitter

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Synaptic Transmission." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-275, last updated Jul 20, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/synaptic-transmission/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/synaptic-transmission/ · Last updated

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Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-275-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/synaptic-transmission/#DD-275-F01

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