Synaptosome
Synaptosome
Synaptosome (pronounced: sih-nap-toh-sohm) is a specialized part of the neuron that is used in the study of synaptic function.
Etymology
The term "synaptosome" is derived from the words "synapse", which refers to the junction between two nerve cells, and "soma", which is Greek for "body". Thus, a synaptosome is essentially a "synaptic body".
Definition
A synaptosome is a specialized, isolated preparation of synaptic terminals. These are used in research to study the function of synapses, the junctions between neurons where nerve impulses are transmitted. Synaptosomes are isolated from brain tissue and are used to study various aspects of synaptic function, including neurotransmitter release and uptake, synaptic plasticity, and the effects of drugs on synaptic function.
Related Terms
- Neuron: A neuron, also known as a nerve cell, is an electrically excitable cell that communicates with other cells via specialized connections called synapses.
- Synapse: A synapse is a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to the target effector cell.
- Neurotransmitter: Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that enable neurotransmission. They transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another 'target' neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
- Synaptic Plasticity: Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Synaptosome
- Wikipedia's article - Synaptosome
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