SYNAPTIC PHASE Meaning and
Definition
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Synaptic phase refers to a crucial stage in the process of synaptic transmission, which is the communication between two neurons or a neuron and an effector cell (such as a muscle or gland cell). It encompasses the events that occur at the synapse, a specialized junction where the electrical activity of one neuron is transmitted to another.
During the synaptic phase, the presynaptic neuron is stimulated to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, a small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells. The release of neurotransmitters is triggered by an action potential, or a brief electrical impulse, that propagates along the presynaptic neuron. This release is mediated by the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to an influx of calcium ions into the presynaptic terminal.
The neurotransmitters then diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors located on the postsynaptic cell's membrane. This binding activates the receptors and initiates a series of biochemical events, which can either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron.
Furthermore, the synaptic phase involves the reuptake or enzymatic degradation of neurotransmitters to terminate the signal and prevent prolonged excitation. This ensures that synaptic transmission remains precise and that proper communication is maintained between neurons.
Overall, the synaptic phase is a critical stage in neuronal communication, as it allows information to be processed, integrated, and transmitted throughout the nervous system.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYNAPTIC PHASE
- aynaptic phase
- zynaptic phase
- xynaptic phase
- dynaptic phase
- eynaptic phase
- wynaptic phase
- stnaptic phase
- sgnaptic phase
- shnaptic phase
- sunaptic phase
- s7naptic phase
- s6naptic phase
- sybaptic phase
- symaptic phase
- syjaptic phase
- syhaptic phase
- synzptic phase
- synsptic phase
- synwptic phase
- synqptic phase
Etymology of SYNAPTIC PHASE
The term "synaptic phase" does not have a specific etymology. Instead, it is a combination of two words: "synaptic" and "phase".1. Synaptic: The term "synaptic" originates from the Greek word "synaptikos", which means "join together" or "to clasp". It was first used in the late 19th century by the British neurophysiologist Sir Charles Sherrington as a descriptor for the junction between two neurons called the synapse. The synapse is a small gap between nerve cells where the transmission of information occurs through the release and reception of chemicals called neurotransmitters.2. Phase: The word "phase" comes from the Latin word "phasis" and the Greek word "phaísis", both meaning "appearance" or "aspect". In the context of the term "synaptic phase", it refers to a distinct stage or period during synaptic transmission.
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