axon terminal
The endpoint of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored
An axon terminal, also known as synaptic boutons or synaptic knobs, is the end of a neuron’s axon that serves as the point of communication with the next neuron or effector cell. It is the site of neurotransmitter release, which binds to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the receiving neuron or muscle fiber.
Axon terminals are typically very small, ranging from 0.2 to 2 micrometers in diameter, and highly branched. Axon terminals can form synapses with many target cells, allowing for widespread communication throughout the nervous system. They contain many specialized structures, including synaptic vesicles that store neurotransmitters, mitochondria to provide energy for neurotransmitter release, and cytoskeletal elements that allow for the movement of vesicles to the plasma membrane.
Axon terminals can be either excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the type of neurotransmitter released. Excitatory neurotransmitters depolarize the postsynaptic neuron, making it more likely to fire an action potential, while inhibitory neurotransmitters hyperpolarize the postsynaptic neuron, making it less likely to fire. The release of neurotransmitters at the axon terminal can be regulated by a variety of factors, including action potentials, calcium influx, and feedback from other neurons.
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