Synaptic Transmission

**Definition:** The communication from a NEURON to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a SYNAPSE. In chemical synaptic transmission, the presynaptic neuron releases a NEUROTRANSMITTER that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific synaptic receptors, activating them. The activated receptors modulate specific ion channels and/or second-messenger systems in the postsynaptic cell. In electrical synaptic transmission, electrical signals are communicated as an ionic current flow across ELECTRICAL SYNAPSES.

**Tree numbers:** - G02.111.820.850 - G04.835.850 - G07.265.880 - G11.561.830

**Synonyms:** - Transmission, Neural - Neural Transmission - Transmission, Synaptic - Neurotransmission