NEUROTRANSMITTER RELEASE Meaning and
Definition
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Neurotransmitter release refers to the process by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft, allowing them to communicate with the postsynaptic neuron. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that play a crucial role in transmitting signals between neurons, allowing them to communicate and coordinate various functions within the nervous system.
The process of neurotransmitter release begins when an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal of a neuron. This depolarization triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium ions to enter the presynaptic neuron. The influx of calcium ions stimulates the fusion of synaptic vesicles, which contain neurotransmitters, with the presynaptic membrane. This leads to the exocytosis of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Once released into the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron's membrane, triggering a cascade of molecular events that either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron. The neurotransmitters can bind to various types of receptors, including ion channels or G-protein coupled receptors, leading to changes in the postsynaptic neuron's membrane potential and subsequent transmission of the signal.
After neurotransmitters have exerted their effect, they are either reabsorbed back into the presynaptic neuron through a process called reuptake or broken down by enzymes present in the synaptic cleft. This termination of neurotransmitter signaling allows for precise and coordinated neuronal communication within the nervous system.
Overall, neurotransmitter release is a critical step in neuronal communication, enabling the transmission of signals across synapses and ultimately contributing to various physiological and cognitive functions.
Common Misspellings for NEUROTRANSMITTER RELEASE
- beurotransmitter release
- meurotransmitter release
- jeurotransmitter release
- heurotransmitter release
- nwurotransmitter release
- nsurotransmitter release
- ndurotransmitter release
- nrurotransmitter release
- n4urotransmitter release
- n3urotransmitter release
- neyrotransmitter release
- nehrotransmitter release
- nejrotransmitter release
- neirotransmitter release
- ne8rotransmitter release
- ne7rotransmitter release
- neueotransmitter release
- neudotransmitter release
- neufotransmitter release
- neutotransmitter release
Etymology of NEUROTRANSMITTER RELEASE
The word "neurotransmitter release" can be broken down into two parts: "neurotransmitter" and "release".
1. Neurotransmitter: The term "neurotransmitter" has its origins in the field of neuroscience. It is a compound word consisting of "neuro", derived from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve", and "transmitter", which refers to something that carries or transmits signals. The term was coined to describe the chemical substances that transmit signals from one neuron to another, facilitating communication in the nervous system.
2. Release: The word "release" comes from the Old French word "relesser" and the Latin word "re-", meaning "back", and "laxare", meaning "to loosen". It implies the action of setting free, letting go, or permitting something to be discharged.
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