Presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons: Difference between revisions
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=== Presynaptic neuron === | === Presynaptic neuron === | ||
A presynaptic neuron is a[[Neuron|neuron (nerve]] cell) that fires the [[Neurotransmitter|neurotransmitter]] as a result of an [[Action potential|action potential]] entering its axon terminal. | A presynaptic neuron is a [[Neuron|neuron (nerve]] cell) that fires the [[Neurotransmitter|neurotransmitter]] as a result of an [[Action potential|action potential]] entering its axon terminal. | ||
In both the central and peripheral nervous systems in mammals, presynaptic terminals mostly | In both the central and peripheral nervous systems in mammals, presynaptic terminals operate mostly in the same way. Vesicles in the synapse form a ‘synaptic pool’ when they are ready for exocytosis; meaning they are readily releasable. When an action potential arrives at the nerve terminal the electrical signal induces opening of voltage gated Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels. <br> | ||
=== Postsynaptic neuron === | === Postsynaptic neuron === | ||
Revision as of 17:51, 6 December 2018
Presynaptic neuron
A presynaptic neuron is a neuron (nerve cell) that fires the neurotransmitter as a result of an action potential entering its axon terminal.
In both the central and peripheral nervous systems in mammals, presynaptic terminals operate mostly in the same way. Vesicles in the synapse form a ‘synaptic pool’ when they are ready for exocytosis; meaning they are readily releasable. When an action potential arrives at the nerve terminal the electrical signal induces opening of voltage gated Ca2+ channels.
Postsynaptic neuron
A postsynaptic neuron in a neuron (nerve cell) that receives the neurotransmitter after it has crossed the synapse and may experience an action potential if the neurotransmitter is strong enough.
Postsynaptic neurons work through temporal summation and spatial summation.
Through neurotransmission there can also be divergence or convergence[1][2]
References