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neurotransmitter
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Diagram showing the chemical transmission of nerve impulses at a synapse, with labeled steps illustrating neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal, movement across the synaptic cleft, binding to postsynaptic channel receptors, and resulting signal propagation in the nervous system. nicotinic receptor Diagram showing the organization of the autonomic nervous system, with labeled pathways for parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, highlighting synapses, neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and their receptor types.
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Diagram showing the chemical transmission of nerve impulses at a synapse, with labeled steps illustrating neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal, movement across the synaptic cleft, binding to postsynaptic channel receptors, and resulting signal propagation in the nervous system.
Chemical transmission of a nerve impulse at the synapse The arrival of a chemical stimulus at the presynaptic terminal stimulates the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap. The binding of neurotransmitters to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane stimulates or inhibits the regeneration of the action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

neurotransmitter

biochemistry
Also known as: chemical messenger, chemical transmitter
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neurotransmitter, any of a group of chemical agents released by neurons (nerve cells) to stimulate neighbouring neurons or muscle or gland cells, thus allowing impulses to be passed from one cell to the next throughout the nervous system. The following is an overview of neurotransmitter action and types; for more information, see nervous system. Neurotransmitters are synthesized by neurons and are stored in vesicles, which typically are located in the axon’s terminal end, also known...

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