presynaptic
Signal-sending neuron side
Presynaptic refers to the transmitting side of a synapse—the junction where nerve cells communicate.
A presynaptic neuron releases chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) across the synaptic gap to the receiving cell.
The term appears in neuroscience contexts: presynaptic terminal, presynaptic membrane, presynaptic inhibition.
Contrast with postsynaptic, which describes the receiving side.
Neuron's signal-sending projection
Excitatory neural transmitter
- GABAInhibitory brain neurotransmitter
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
norepinephrine · glycine · neuropeptides · ATP · histamine · reuptake · synthesis · catecholamines
Vesicular release from cells
- SNARE proteinsVesicle fusion mediators
- calcium influxIons flowing into cytoplasm
- endocytosisCell engulfs external material
Neuron's rapid electrical discharge
- depolarizationLoss of electrical gradient
- voltage-gatedResponsive to electrical gradients
- potassium channelsMembrane proteins selective for K⁺
- thresholdPoint of beginning
Making tasks easier
- depressionProlonged low state
- potentiationIncreased effect through interaction
- augmentationAct of adding more
- habituationDiminished reaction over time
axon
Neuron's signal-sending projection
glutamate
Excitatory neural transmitter
- GABAInhibitory brain neurotransmitter
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
acetylcholine · norepinephrine · glycine · neuropeptides · ATP · histamine · reuptake · synthesis · catecholamines
exocytosis
Vesicular release from cells
- SNARE proteinsVesicle fusion mediators
- calcium influxIons flowing into cytoplasm
- endocytosisCell engulfs external material
action potential
Neuron's rapid electrical discharge
- depolarizationLoss of electrical gradient
- voltage-gatedResponsive to electrical gradients
- potassium channelsMembrane proteins selective for K⁺
facilitation
Making tasks easier
- depressionProlonged low state
- potentiationIncreased effect through interaction
- augmentationAct of adding more
- neuro termsneural, neuronal, cerebral, cortical, axonal
- Neurophysiologyneuron, action potential, neurotransmitter, nerve impulse, depolarization
- Neurotransmissionneurotransmitter, acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate
- GABA receptorschloride channel
- synapsesneurotransmission, SNARE proteins