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Neurotransmitter Release definitions

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  • Neurotransmitter
    Chemical substance released by neurons to transmit signals between cells, often triggering responses like muscle contraction.
  • Acetylcholine
    Molecule composed of acetyl and choline groups, stored in vesicles and released to initiate muscle contraction.
  • Vesicle
    Membrane-bound compartment at neuron ends, storing neurotransmitters for release during exocytosis.
  • Exocytosis
    Cellular process where vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release contents, such as neurotransmitters.
  • Calcium
    Intracellular signal that triggers vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane, enabling neurotransmitter release.
  • Plasma Membrane
    Cell boundary composed of phospholipids, site of vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.
  • Synaptic Gap
    Extracellular space between neuron and target cell where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors.
  • Acetylcholine Receptor
    Protein embedded in muscle cell membrane that binds acetylcholine, initiating muscle contraction.
  • SNARE Fusion Protein
    Integral membrane protein facilitating vesicle and plasma membrane fusion by overcoming repulsion.
  • V-SNARE
    Fusion protein located on vesicle cytoplasmic surface, also known as R-SNARE due to arginine residue.
  • T-SNARE
    Fusion protein found on target membrane cytoplasmic surface, also called Q-SNARE due to glutamine residue.
  • Phospholipid
    Molecule forming cell membranes, with negatively charged phosphate groups causing membrane repulsion.
  • Hemifusion
    Intermediate stage where only the outer sheets of vesicle and target membranes partially fuse.
  • Fusion Pore
    Small opening formed after complete membrane fusion, allowing neurotransmitters to exit into extracellular space.
  • Axon
    Neuron extension ending in bulbs, site of vesicle storage and neurotransmitter release.