Figure 3.5

An illustration depicts the complete process involved in the neurotransmission. The steps involved are as follows: Step 1, Neurotransmitter is synthesized and then stored in vesicles. Step 2, An action potential invades the presynaptic terminal. Step 3, Depolarization of presynaptic terminal causes opening of voltage-gated Ca 2 plus channels. Step 4, Influx of Ca 2 plus ions through the channels. Step 5, Ca 2 plus causes vesicles to fuse with presynaptic membrane. Step 6, Neurotransmitter is released into synaptic cleft via exocytosis. Step 7, Neurotransmitter binds to receptor molecules in postsynaptic membrane. Step 8, Opening or closing of postsynaptic channels occurs. Step 9, Postsynaptic current causes excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potential that changes the excitability of the postsynaptic cell. Step 10, Vesicular membrane is retrieved from plasma membrane.

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