POSTSYNAPTIC CURRENT Meaning and
Definition
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A postsynaptic current refers to the flow of electrical charge that occurs within a neuron after it has received a chemical signal, or neurotransmitter, from a presynaptic neuron. The postsynaptic current is responsible for transmitting information and triggering subsequent events or responses within the receiving neuron.
When a neurotransmitter is released by a presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft, it binds to specialized receptor proteins located on the postsynaptic neuron. This binding process initiates a series of biochemical reactions that lead to the opening or closing of ion channels on the postsynaptic neuron's cell membrane. As a result, ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) move across the cell membrane, creating an electrical current.
The postsynaptic current can be either excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the specific neurotransmitter that is released and the type of receptor it binds to. Excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, promote the depolarization of the postsynaptic neuron, making it more likely to fire an action potential. In contrast, inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), induce hyperpolarization, making it less likely for the postsynaptic neuron to generate an action potential.
The strength and duration of the postsynaptic current can be modulated by various factors, including the concentration of neurotransmitters, the affinity of the receptors, and the presence of regulatory molecules. By influencing the postsynaptic currents, the nervous system maintains a delicate balance between excitation and inhibition, which is critical for information processing and the functioning of neural networks.
Common Misspellings for POSTSYNAPTIC CURRENT
- oostsynaptic current
- lostsynaptic current
- 0ostsynaptic current
- pistsynaptic current
- pkstsynaptic current
- plstsynaptic current
- ppstsynaptic current
- p0stsynaptic current
- p9stsynaptic current
- poatsynaptic current
- poztsynaptic current
- poxtsynaptic current
- podtsynaptic current
- poetsynaptic current
- powtsynaptic current
- posrsynaptic current
- posfsynaptic current
- posgsynaptic current
- posysynaptic current
- pos6synaptic current
Etymology of POSTSYNAPTIC CURRENT
The word "postsynaptic" is derived from the combination of two root words: "post-" and "synaptic".
1. "Post-" comes from the Latin word "post", meaning "after" or "behind". In this context, it refers to the location of the synapse, which is the junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle cell. The term "post-" indicates that the focus is on the structure or event occurring after the synapse.
2. "Synaptic" originates from the Greek word "synapsis", which means "a joining together" or "a connection". The term specifically refers to the specialized junction between two nerve cells, where signals are transmitted between them.
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