Chapter 5 Key Terms and Definitions
Terms : Hide Images
| 314895254 | synaptic transmission | The process of transferring information from one cell to another at a synapse. | |
| 314895255 | electrical synapse | A synapse in which electrical current flows directly from one cell to another via a gap junction. | |
| 314895256 | chemical synapse | A synapse in which presynaptic activity stimulates the release of neurotransmitter, which activates receptors in the postsynaptic membrane. | |
| 314895257 | gap junction | A specialized junction where a narrow gap between two cells is spanned by protein channels (connexons) that allow ions to pass directly from one cell to another. | |
| 314895258 | postsynaptic potential (PSP) | A change in the postsynaptic membrane potential by the presynaptic action of an electrical synapse, or a synaptically released neurotransmitter. | |
| 314895259 | secretory granule | A spherical membrane-enclosed vesicle about 100 nm in diameter containing peptides intended for secretion by exocytosis; also called dense-core vesicle. | |
| 314895260 | dense-core vesicle | A spherical membrane-enclosed vesicle about 100 nm in diameter containing peptides intended for secretion by exocytosis; also called secretory granule. | |
| 314895261 | membrane differentiation | A dense accumulation of protein adjacent to and within the membrane on either side of a synaptic cleft. | |
| 314895262 | active zone | A presynaptic membrane differentiation that is the site of neurotransmitter release. | |
| 314895263 | postsynaptic density | A postsynaptic membrane differentiation that is the site of neurotransmitter receptors. | |
| 314895264 | neuromuscular junction | A chemical synapse between a spinal motor neuron axon and a skeletal muscle fiber. | |
| 314895265 | motor end-plate | The postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. |
