The binding of a cell to the extracellular matrix via adhesion molecules.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the brain over time, from its formation to the mature structure. Brain development begins with patterning events in the neural tube and ends with the mature structure that is the center of thought and emotion. The brain is responsible for the coordination and control of bodily activities and the interpretation of information from the senses (sight, hearing, smell, etc.).

A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of an extracellular matrix.

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of chondroitin sulfate, any member of a group of 10-60 kDa glycosaminoglycans, widely distributed in cartilage and other mammalian connective tissues, the repeat units of which consist of beta-(1,4)-linked D-glucuronyl beta-(1,3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine sulfate.

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of chondroitin sulfate, any member of a group of 10-60 kDa glycosaminoglycans, widely distributed in cartilage and other mammalian connective tissues, the repeat units of which consist of beta-(1,4)-linked D-glucuronyl beta-(1,3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine sulfate.

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of dermatan sulfate, any glycosaminoglycan with repeats consisting of beta-(1,4)-linked L-iduronyl-beta-(1,3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine 4-sulfate units.

The process that results in the generation of glial cells. This includes the production of glial progenitors and their differentiation into mature glia.

A process that modulates neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal 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.

Long distance growth of a single neuron projection involved in cellular development. A neuron projection is a prolongation or process extending from a nerve cell, e.g. an axon or dendrite.

The space external to the outermost structure of a cell. For cells without external protective or external encapsulating structures this refers to space outside of the plasma membrane. This term covers the host cell environment outside an intracellular parasite.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

The volume enclosed by the membranes of any cisterna or subcompartment of the Golgi apparatus, including the cis- and trans-Golgi networks.

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, morphology. Dendrites receive and integrate signals from other neurons or from sensory stimuli, and conduct nerve impulses 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 component of a membrane consisting of the gene products that are tethered to the membrane only by a covalently attached anchor, such as a lipid group that is embedded in the membrane. Gene products with peptide sequences that are embedded in the membrane are excluded from this grouping.

An axon part that is a gap in the myelin where voltage-gated sodium channels cluster and saltatory conduction is executed.

Portion of the axon proximal to the neuronal cell body, at the level of the axon hillock. The action potentials that propagate along the axon are generated at the level of this initial segment.

The volume enclosed within the lysosomal membrane.

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 dense extracellular matrix (ECM) that forms around many neuronal cell bodies and dendrites late in development and is responsible for synaptic stabilization in the adult brain.

The portion of the extracellular matrix that lies within the perisynaptic space.

A synapse that uses glutamate as a neurotransmitter.

A synapse that uses GABA as a neurotransmitter. These synapses are typically inhibitory.