# Synaptic Transmission (DD-275)

> 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.

- Department: Science (also People)
- First published: 2024-07-20
- Last updated: 2024-07-20
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/synaptic-transmission/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-275-F01**: Neurons meet at synapses. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Synapse))_
- **DD-275-F02**: Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Vesicles))_

## Write-up

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

1. **Synapse**: Neurons meet at synapses.
2. **Vesicles**: Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles.
3. **Cleft**: They cross the synaptic cleft.
4. **Receptors**: They bind to receptors.
5. **Excite or inhibit**: They can excite or inhibit.

## Related case files

- [Connected (DD-635)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/connected/): I linked more on how the brain is wired

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

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

- Duration: 30.7 s · Published: 2024-07-20
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C9qxX92JYCa.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Where do neurons communicate?**  
A: Junctions. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Synapse) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse)_

**Q: What triggers release?**  
A: An electrical impulse. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Vesicles) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse)_

**Q: Where are neurotransmitters stored?**  
A: Tiny sacs. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Cleft) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse)_

**Q: What gap do they cross?**  
A: Between neurons. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Receptors) · Wikipedia: Chemical synapse; Wikipedia: Neurotransmitter)_

**Q: What can the signal do?**  
A: Depends on receptor. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Excite or inhibit) · Wikipedia: Neurotransmitter)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Chemical synapse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_synapse)
- [Wikipedia: Neurotransmitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/