Synapses

Specialized junctions at which a neuron communicates with a target cell. At classical synapses, a neuron's presynaptic terminal releases a chemical transmitter stored in synaptic vesicles which diffuses across a narrow synaptic cleft and activates receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the target cell. The target may be a dendrite, cell body, or axon of another neuron, or a specialized region of a muscle or secretory cell. Neurons may also communicate via direct electrical coupling with ELECTRICAL SYNAPSES. Several other non-synaptic chemical or electric signal transmitting processes occur via extracellular mediated interactions.

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Tree Number(s): A08.850, A11.284.149.165.420.780

MeSH Unique ID: D013569

Entry Terms:

• Synapse

See Also:

• Synaptic Transmission
• Synaptosomes
• Gap Junctions

All MeSH Categories
Anatomy Category
Nervous System
Synapses
Electrical Synapses
Neuroeffector Junction
Neuromuscular Junction +
Presynaptic Terminals
Mossy Fibers, Hippocampal
Synaptic Membranes
Post-Synaptic Density
Synaptic Vesicles

All MeSH Categories
Anatomy Category
Cells
Cellular Structures
Cell Membrane
Cell Membrane Structures
Intercellular Junctions
Synapses
Electrical Synapses
Neuroeffector Junction
Neuromuscular Junction +
Presynaptic Terminals
Synaptic Membranes
Post-Synaptic Density