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

Dictionary Entries Near synaptic vesicle

Cite this Entry

“Synaptic vesicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/synaptic%20vesicle. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!