Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic activity, the controlled release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft and their subsequent detection by a postsynaptic cell.

The vesicular release of classical neurotransmitter molecules from a neuron, across a chemical synapse, the subsequent activation of neurotransmitter receptors of a target cell (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) and the effects of this activation on the postsynaptic membrane potential and ionic composition of the postsynaptic cytosol. This process encompasses both spontaneous and evoked release of neurotransmitter and all parts of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Evoked transmission starts with the arrival of an action potential at the presynapse.

The process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Any process that modulates the establishment or extent of a membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane.

The directed movement of cations, atoms or small molecules with a net positive charge, into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of glutamate to a glutamate receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

Hyperpolarization (vertebrates) or depolarization (invertebrates) of the photoreceptor cell membrane via closing/opening of cation specific channels as a result of signals generated by rhodopsin activation by a photon.

Hyperpolarization (vertebrates) or depolarization (invertebrates) of the photoreceptor cell membrane via closing/opening of cation specific channels as a result of signals generated by rhodopsin activation by a photon.

The process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of glutamatergic synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

A process that leads to a temporary increase in postsynaptic potential due to the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an EPSP is an excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) and makes it easier for the neuron to fire an action potential.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a light intensity stimulus.

Eye, head or whole body movements that help to compensate movements of the environment in order to stabilize its image on the retina. In the case of whole body movements, these motor actions may also stabilize a locomotor course in response to some disturbance. Examples include: the optokinetic reflex, which allows human eyes to follow objects in motion while the head remains stationary reflex; the optomotor responses of flying insects and swimming fish.

The directed movement of substances (such as macromolecules, small molecules, ions) or cellular components (such as complexes and organelles) into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, or within a multicellular organism by means of some agent such as a transporter, pore or motor protein.

The vesicular release of classical neurotransmitter molecules from a neuron, across a chemical synapse, the subsequent activation of neurotransmitter receptors of a target cell (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) and the effects of this activation on the postsynaptic membrane potential and ionic composition of the postsynaptic cytosol. This process encompasses both spontaneous and evoked release of neurotransmitter and all parts of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Evoked transmission starts with the arrival of an action potential at the presynapse.

Any process that modulates the establishment or extent of a membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane.

Any process that modulates the establishment or extent of a membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane.

The receptor metabolic process that results in grouping of a set of receptors at a cellular location, often to amplify the sensitivity of a signaling response.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of cell death of neurons by apoptotic process.

A process that modulates short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal synapses to change in the short-term as circumstances require. Short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity generally involves increasing or decreasing synaptic sensitivity.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a neuron projection are generated and organized. A neuron projection is any process extending from a neural cell, such as axons or dendrites.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of glutamatergic synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

A process that leads to a temporary increase in postsynaptic potential due to the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an EPSP is an excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) and makes it easier for the neuron to fire an action potential.

A process that causes a temporary decrease in postsynaptic membrane potential due to the flow of negatively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an IPSP is an inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) and makes it more difficult for the neuron to fire an action potential.

A process that causes a temporary decrease in postsynaptic membrane potential due to the flow of negatively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an IPSP is an inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) and makes it more difficult for the neuron to fire an action potential.

An acute behavioral change resulting from a perceived external threat.

The directed movement of a motile cell or organism in response to touch.

The retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen of soluble resident proteins. Sorting receptors retrieve proteins with ER localization signals, such as KDEL and HDEL sequences or some transmembrane domains, that have escaped to the cis-Golgi network and return them to the ER. Abnormally folded proteins and unassembled subunits are also selectively retained in the ER.

The directed movement of substances (such as macromolecules, small molecules, ions) or cellular components (such as complexes and organelles) into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, or within a multicellular organism by means of some agent such as a transporter, pore or motor protein.

The directed movement of charged atoms or small charged molecules into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore.

The directed movement of cations, atoms or small molecules with a net positive charge, into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore.

The directed movement of calcium (Ca) ions into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore.

Any process involved in the maintenance of an internal steady state of calcium ions at the level of a cell.

The directed movement of proteins in a cell, including the movement of proteins between specific compartments or structures within a cell, such as organelles of a eukaryotic cell.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of detection of, or exposure to, a hyperosmotic environment, i.e. an environment with a higher concentration of solutes than the organism or cell.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of glutamate to a glutamate receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of glutamate to a glutamate receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by glutamate binding to a glutamate receptor on the surface of the target cell, and proceeding with the activated receptor promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP on the alpha-subunit of an associated heterotrimeric G-protein complex. Ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by glutamate binding to a glutamate receptor on the surface of the target cell, and proceeding with the activated receptor promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP on the alpha-subunit of an associated heterotrimeric G-protein complex. Ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by glutamate binding to a glutamate receptor on the surface of the target cell, and proceeding with the activated receptor promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP on the alpha-subunit of an associated heterotrimeric G-protein complex. Ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

The vesicular release of classical neurotransmitter molecules from a neuron, across a chemical synapse, the subsequent activation of neurotransmitter receptors of a target cell (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) and the effects of this activation on the postsynaptic membrane potential and ionic composition of the postsynaptic cytosol. This process encompasses both spontaneous and evoked release of neurotransmitter and all parts of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Evoked transmission starts with the arrival of an action potential at the presynapse.

The vesicular release of classical neurotransmitter molecules from a neuron, across a chemical synapse, the subsequent activation of neurotransmitter receptors of a target cell (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) and the effects of this activation on the postsynaptic membrane potential and ionic composition of the postsynaptic cytosol. This process encompasses both spontaneous and evoked release of neurotransmitter and all parts of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Evoked transmission starts with the arrival of an action potential at the presynapse.

The vesicular release of classical neurotransmitter molecules from a neuron, across a chemical synapse, the subsequent activation of neurotransmitter receptors of a target cell (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) and the effects of this activation on the postsynaptic membrane potential and ionic composition of the postsynaptic cytosol. This process encompasses both spontaneous and evoked release of neurotransmitter and all parts of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Evoked transmission starts with the arrival of an action potential at the presynapse.

The process of communication from a neuron to a muscle, across a synapse.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of nervous tissue over time, from its formation to its mature state.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of nervous tissue over time, from its formation to its mature state.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the central nervous system over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The central nervous system is the core nervous system that serves an integrating and coordinating function. In vertebrates it consists of the brain and spinal cord. In those invertebrates with a central nervous system it typically consists of a brain, cerebral ganglia and a nerve cord.

The memory process that deals with the storage, retrieval and modification of information received a short time (up to about 30 minutes) ago. This type of memory is typically dependent on direct, transient effects of second messenger activation.

Behavior associated with the intake of food.

Learning by associating a stimulus (the cause) with a particular outcome (the effect).

Locomotory behavior in a fully developed and mature organism.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a mechanical stimulus.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a mechanical stimulus.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of an inorganic substance stimulus.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of the regulated release of gamma-aminobutyric acid.

An action potential that occurs in a neuron.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of the activity of any BMP receptor signaling pathway.

Behavior in a fully developed and mature organism.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic vesicle fusion to the presynaptic membrane.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a corticosteroid hormone stimulus. A corticosteroid is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic systems such as stress response, immune response and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior. They include glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of GABAergic synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Any process that activates, maintains or increases the frequency, rate or extent of GABAergic synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Any process that activates, maintains or increases the frequency, rate or extent of GABAergic synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

A series of molecular signals initiated by glutamate binding to a glutamate receptor on the surface of the target cell, followed by the movement of ions through a channel in the receptor complex. Ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by glutamate binding to a glutamate receptor on the surface of the target cell, followed by the movement of ions through a channel in the receptor complex. Ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

The process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

The process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Any process that modulates the establishment or extent of a membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane.

Any process that modulates the establishment or extent of a membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane.

Anterior movement of an organism, following the direction of the head of the animal.

Any process that modulates the speed, mechanical force, or rhythm of the posterior movement of an organism.

Any process that modulates the speed, mechanical force, or rhythm of the posterior movement of an organism.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cell death by apoptotic process in neurons.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of signal transduction mediated by the JNK cascade.

A decrease in a behavioral response to a repeated stimulus. This is exemplified by the failure of a person to show a startle response to a loud noise that has been repeatedly presented.

A process that modulates synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to change as circumstances require. They may alter function, such as increasing or decreasing their sensitivity, or they may increase or decrease in actual numbers.

A process that modulates long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal synapses to change long-term as circumstances require. Long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity generally involves increase or decrease in actual synapse numbers.

A process that modulates long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal synapses to change long-term as circumstances require. Long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity generally involves increase or decrease in actual synapse numbers.

A process that modulates short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal synapses to change in the short-term as circumstances require. Short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity generally involves increasing or decreasing synaptic sensitivity.

A process that modulates short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal synapses to change in the short-term as circumstances require. Short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity generally involves increasing or decreasing synaptic sensitivity.

A process that modulates short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal synapses to change in the short-term as circumstances require. Short-term neuronal synaptic plasticity generally involves increasing or decreasing synaptic sensitivity.

Any process that results in a change in the behavior of an organism as a result of a pain stimulus. Pain stimuli cause activation of nociceptors, peripheral receptors for pain, include receptors which are sensitive to painful mechanical stimuli, extreme heat or cold, and chemical stimuli.

Any process that modulates the frequency or amplitude of synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a synapse. Amplitude, in this case, refers to the change in postsynaptic membrane potential due to a single instance of synaptic transmission.

Any process that modulates the frequency or amplitude of synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a synapse. Amplitude, in this case, refers to the change in postsynaptic membrane potential due to a single instance of synaptic transmission.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a synapse.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a synapse.

The series of events required to receive a bitter taste stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. This is a neurological process.

Any apoptotic process in a neuron, the basic cellular unit of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system.

Any process, occuring in a cell, that localizes a substance or cellular component. This may occur via movement, tethering or selective degradation.

The process in which membrane potential decreases with respect to its steady-state potential, usually from negative potential to a more positive potential. For example, the initial depolarization during the rising phase of an action potential is in the direction from the negative steady-state resting potential towards the positive membrane potential that will be the peak of the action potential.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of glutamatergic synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of glutamatergic synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to another neuron across a synapse using the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a glucose stimulus.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of forward locomotion.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of backward locomotion.

The membrane surrounding a cell that separates the cell from its external environment. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer and associated proteins.

A neuron projection that has a short, tapering, often branched, morphology, receives and integrates signals from other neurons or from sensory stimuli, and conducts a nerve impulse towards the axon or the cell body. In most neurons, the impulse is conveyed from dendrites to axon via the cell body, but in some types of unipolar neuron, the impulse does not travel via the cell body.

The long process of a neuron that conducts nerve impulses, usually away from the cell body to the terminals and varicosities, which are sites of storage and release of neurotransmitter.

The membrane surrounding a cell that separates the cell from its external environment. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer and associated proteins.

Terminal inflated portion of the axon, containing the specialized apparatus necessary to release neurotransmitters. The axon terminus is considered to be the whole region of thickening and the terminal bouton is a specialized region of it.

The junction between a nerve fiber of one neuron and another neuron, muscle fiber or glial cell. As the nerve fiber approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic nerve ending, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the nerve ending is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic nerve ending secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

A multimeric assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand-gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex.

An electron dense network of proteins within and adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane in asymetric synapses. Its major components include neurotransmitter receptors and the proteins that spatially and functionally organize them such as anchoring and scaffolding molecules, signaling enzymes and cytoskeletal components.

A lipid bilayer along with all the proteins and protein complexes embedded in it an attached to it.

An assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex. Kainate receptors are multimeric assemblies of GluK1-3 (also called GluR5-7), GluK4 (KA1) and GluK5 (KA2) subunits.

A specialized area of membrane of the axon terminal that faces the plasma membrane of the neuron or muscle fiber with which the axon terminal establishes a synaptic junction; many synaptic junctions exhibit structural presynaptic characteristics, such as conical, electron-dense internal protrusions, that distinguish it from the remainder of the axon plasma membrane.

The portion of a neuron that includes the nucleus, but excludes cell projections such as axons and dendrites.

The portion of the cell soma (neuronal cell body) that excludes the nucleus.

A specialized area of membrane facing the presynaptic membrane on the tip of the nerve ending and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft). Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

The component of the plasma membrane consisting of the gene products and protein complexes having at least some part of their peptide sequence embedded in the hydrophobic region of the membrane.

A multimeric assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand-gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex.

A multimeric assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand-gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex.

A small, membranous protrusion from a dendrite that forms a postsynaptic compartment - typically receiving input from a single presynapse. They function as partially isolated biochemical and an electrical compartments. Spine morphology is variable including \thin\, \stubby\, \mushroom\, and \branched\, with a continuum of intermediate morphologies. They typically terminate in a bulb shape, linked to the dendritic shaft by a restriction. Spine remodeling is though to be involved in synaptic plasticity.

The membrane surrounding a cell that separates the cell from its external environment. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer and associated proteins.

The component of the plasma membrane consisting of the gene products and protein complexes having at least some part of their peptide sequence embedded in the hydrophobic region of the membrane.

All of the contents of a dendrite, excluding the surrounding plasma membrane.

A prolongation or process extending from a nerve cell, e.g. an axon or dendrite.

The living contents of a cell; the matter contained within (but not including) the plasma membrane, usually taken to exclude large vacuoles and masses of secretory or ingested material. In eukaryotes it includes the nucleus and cytoplasm.

A membrane-bounded organelle of eukaryotic cells in which chromosomes are housed and replicated. In most cells, the nucleus contains all of the cell's chromosomes except the organellar chromosomes, and is the site of RNA synthesis and processing. In some species, or in specialized cell types, RNA metabolism or DNA replication may be absent.

The irregular network of unit membranes, visible only by electron microscopy, that occurs in the cytoplasm of many eukaryotic cells. The membranes form a complex meshwork of tubular channels, which are often expanded into slitlike cavities called cisternae. The ER takes two forms, rough (or granular), with ribosomes adhering to the outer surface, and smooth (with no ribosomes attached).

The component of the plasma membrane consisting of the gene products and protein complexes having at least some part of their peptide sequence embedded in the hydrophobic region of the membrane.

A multimeric assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand-gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex.

A multimeric assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand-gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex.

A multimeric assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand-gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex.

The external part of the cell wall and/or plasma membrane.

The long process of a neuron that conducts nerve impulses, usually away from the cell body to the terminals and varicosities, which are sites of storage and release of neurotransmitter.

A neuron projection that has a short, tapering, often branched, morphology, receives and integrates signals from other neurons or from sensory stimuli, and conducts a nerve impulse towards the axon or the cell body. In most neurons, the impulse is conveyed from dendrites to axon via the cell body, but in some types of unipolar neuron, the impulse does not travel via the cell body.

A neuron projection that has a short, tapering, often branched, morphology, receives and integrates signals from other neurons or from sensory stimuli, and conducts a nerve impulse towards the axon or the cell body. In most neurons, the impulse is conveyed from dendrites to axon via the cell body, but in some types of unipolar neuron, the impulse does not travel via the cell body.

The portion of the plasma membrane surrounding a neuron projection.

All of the contents of a dendrite, excluding the surrounding plasma membrane.

Terminal inflated portion of the axon, containing the specialized apparatus necessary to release neurotransmitters. The axon terminus is considered to be the whole region of thickening and the terminal bouton is a specialized region of it.

The portion of the cell soma (neuronal cell body) that excludes the nucleus.

Any protein complex that undergoes combination with a hormone, neurotransmitter, drug or intracellular messenger to initiate a change in cell function.

The junction between a nerve fiber of one neuron and another neuron, muscle fiber or glial cell. As the nerve fiber approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic nerve ending, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the nerve ending is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic nerve ending secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

A specialized area of membrane facing the presynaptic membrane on the tip of the nerve ending and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft). Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

The portion of endoplasmic reticulum, the intracellular network of tubules and cisternae, that occurs near the nucleus. The lumen of the perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum is contiguous with the nuclear envelope lumen (also called perinuclear space), the region between the inner and outer nuclear membranes.

A postsynaptic specialization that is part of a neuromuscular junction.