Search
-
- Glossary
excitatory
Exciting synapses are described as excitatory when they depolarize the subsequent cell membrane and can thus lead to the formation of an action potential. An excitatory effect is usually produced by an exciting transmitter (messenger substance), such as glutamate. The opposite is an inhibitory synapse.
-
- Glossary
Gliotransmitter
Chemical messengers released by astrocytes and other glial cells. They enable glial cells to communicate with other cells in the nervous system, for example when forming a synapse. The most common types of gliotransmitters are the amino acids glutamate and D-serine, as well as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
-
- Glossary
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cortical atrophy, nerve cell loss, synapse loss, and deposits of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to dementia and loss of function. Early symptoms include memory problems, speech disorders, executive deficits, depressive moods, and subtle personality changes. As the disease progresses, global cognitive impairment, aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, and behavioral abnormalities such as apathy, restlessness, and sleep disorders occur. The disease was first described in 1907 by Alois Alzheimer.
-
- Glossary
Lock and key
In terms of the processes in a synapse, this means that the chemical messenger and its receptor must fit together like a key in a lock. The receptor therefore only "accepts" a very specific messenger.
-
- Glossary
Synaptic depression
Weakening of signal transmission at a synapse due to reduced neurotransmitter release or decreased receptor sensitivity; occurs, for example, with repeated stimulation (habituation).
-
- Topic
Structure and Function
Deep within the brain, wondrous things happen
-
- Topic
Energy!
Neural compartments in the interplay between disease and health.
-
- Basics
- Communication of Cells
On the Scent of Cell Communication
A lot has to happen before nerve cells reveal their secrets. A historical review.
22.12.2023
-
- Page
Glossary
15.03.2017
-
- Basics
- Anatomy
The Pallidum
The palladium provides a prime example of a highly complex feedback loop.
23.11.2025
