Synaptic gating

Synaptic Gating

Synaptic gating (pronunciation: /sɪˈnæptɪk ˈgeɪtɪŋ/) is a process in neuroscience that controls the flow of information between neurons through synapses.

Etymology

The term "synaptic" is derived from "synapse", which comes from the Greek words "syn" (together) and "haptein" (to fasten). "Gating" refers to the control of passage through the gate that is the synapse.

Definition

Synaptic gating is a mechanism that determines whether a neural impulse will be transmitted across a synapse. It is a crucial component of neural communication and plays a significant role in neural plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt.

Mechanism

The gating mechanism involves the opening and closing of ion channels on the neuron membrane. When a neurotransmitter binds to a receptor on the post-synaptic neuron, it triggers a change in the neuron's membrane potential. This change can either excite the neuron, causing it to fire a signal, or inhibit it, preventing signal transmission.

Related Terms

Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
Synapse: The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted from one to another.
Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.
Neural impulse: An electrical signal that travels along a neuron.
Neural communication: The process by which neurons send and receive signals.
Neural plasticity: The ability of the brain to change in response to experience.
Ion channels: Pore-forming proteins that help establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of cells.