Pre-Synaptic Neuron

The pre-synaptic neuron, also known as the presynaptic cell, is a type of neuron that carries nerve impulses (action potentials) away from the cell body towards the synapse, where it communicates with the post-synaptic neuron or target cell.

Function

The primary function of the pre-synaptic neuron is to transmit and release neurotransmitters into the synapse during synaptic transmission. These neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles within the axon terminal of the pre-synaptic neuron.

Anatomy

The structure of the pre-synaptic neuron includes an axon, axon terminal, and synaptic vesicles. The axon extends from the cell body and carries the action potential towards the synapse. At the end of the axon, there is an axon terminal where the synaptic vesicles, containing neurotransmitters, are stored.

Synaptic Transmission

When an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the pre-synaptic neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, initiating a new action potential or modulating the activity of the target cell.

Role in Neural Communication

The pre-synaptic neuron plays a crucial role in transmitting signals and facilitating communication between neurons. It is responsible for converting electrical signals (action potentials) into chemical signals (neurotransmitters), enabling the transmission of information across synapses in the nervous system.