synaptic vesicle

noun

: a small secretory vesicle that contains a neurotransmitter, is found inside an axon near the presynaptic membrane, and releases its contents into the synaptic cleft after fusing with the membrane
When a nerve impulse moves down the axon of a neuron and arrives at an axon terminal, it stimulates synaptic vesicles in the terminal to discharge neurotransmitters.Rita L. Atkinson et al., Introduction to Psychology, 9th edition

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Cite this Entry

“Synaptic vesicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/synaptic%20vesicle. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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