Terminal Buttons
The branched end of the axon that contains neurotransmitters. Where synaptic vesicles release chemicals into the synaptic cleft
Terminal buttons, also known as synaptic boutons or terminal axon branches, are small structures located at the end of the axon of a neuron. They are responsible for transmitting signals to other neurons or cells in the body by releasing chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.
When an action potential (electrical signal) travels down the axon of a neuron, it reaches the terminal buttons, which are filled with sacs called synaptic vesicles that contain neurotransmitters. The arrival of the action potential triggers these vesicles to release their contents into the synaptic cleft, which is the small gap between the terminal button of the presynaptic neuron and the dendrites or cell body of the postsynaptic neuron.
The released neurotransmitters then bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron, causing ion channels to open and allowing ions to flow into or out of the cell. This generates a new electrical signal that can either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron, depending on the type of neurotransmitter involved and the nature of its receptor.
Overall, the precise release of neurotransmitters by terminal buttons is essential for proper neural communication and the coordination of complex behaviors and cognitive processes. Dysfunctional synaptic transmission, whether due to genetic mutations, environmental insults, or age-related changes, can lead to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanics of synaptic function.
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