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Synaptic Transmission

More information in Books or onNLM PubMed
Definition: The communication from a NEURON to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a SYNAPSE. In chemical synaptic transmission, the presynaptic neuron releases a NEUROTRANSMITTER that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific synaptic receptors, activating them. The activated receptors modulate specific ion channels and/or second-messenger systems in the postsynaptic cell. In electrical synaptic transmission, electrical signals are communicated as an ionic current flow across ELECTRICAL SYNAPSES.  differentiate entry term NEURAL TRANSMISSION from NEURAL CONDUCTION; consider also NEURAL INHIBITION; neuromuscular transmission   
See Also Gap Junctions; Synapses
Examples Postsynaptic Potential Summation
Other names Neurotransmission; Neural Transmission; Transmission, Synaptic; Transmission, Neural

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Sources: NLM Medical Subject Headings, NIH UMLS, Drugs@FDA, FDA AERS original data copyright United States Government. No endorsement implied. Last modified 6/6/2012

Warning: the drugs or drug combinations referred to here may be similar or related, but are not be the same ones and may not have the same pharmacological action as other substances described on the same page or in the same row. Please refer to product monograph or to your doctor
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