Presynaptic cell

Presynaptic Cell

A presynaptic cell is a type of neuron that sends out neurotransmitter signals to another neuron during the process of neural communication. This process is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, as it allows for the transmission of information between different parts of the body.

Function

The primary function of the presynaptic cell is to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, the small gap between the presynaptic cell and the postsynaptic cell. This release is triggered by an action potential reaching the end of the presynaptic neuron. The neurotransmitters then cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, triggering a response in that cell.

Structure

The presynaptic cell is typically structured with a cell body, axon, and axon terminal. The axon terminal, or presynaptic terminal, is the part of the neuron that comes into close proximity with the postsynaptic cell. It contains synaptic vesicles, which are small sacs filled with neurotransmitters.

Role in Neurological Disorders

Abnormalities in presynaptic cells can lead to various neurological disorders. For example, in Parkinson's disease, there is a loss of presynaptic cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. This leads to a decrease in dopamine levels, which in turn causes the symptoms of the disease.

See Also

• Neuron
• Neurotransmitter
• Synaptic cleft
• Postsynaptic cell
• Action potential