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Calcium Ion
Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) is a positively charged ion of the element calcium that plays a crucial role in many biological processes in the human body. It is involved in muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, enzyme activation, and many other signaling pathways. In muscle cells, calcium ions bind to regulatory proteins, causing a change in the shape…
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Gliotransmitters
Gliotransmitters are signaling molecules that are released by astrocytes and other glial cells in the central nervous system. These molecules can modulate synaptic transmission and affect the activity of nearby neurons. There are several different types of gliotransmitters that have been identified, including ATP, D-serine, glutamate, and prostaglandins. ATP can activate purinergic receptors on nearby…
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Astrocytes Communicate With Neurons
Astrocytes are a type of glial cell in the central nervous system that are known to communicate with neurons in several ways. Astrocytes can modulate synaptic transmission by releasing neurotransmitters and by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. For example, astrocytes can release glutamate, which can activate ionotropic glutamate receptors on nearby…
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Neural Synapses
Neural synapses, also known as synapses or neuronal synapses, are specialized structures that allow neurons to communicate with each other and with other cells in the body. A synapse typically consists of a presynaptic neuron, a postsynaptic neuron, and a small gap between the two called the synaptic cleft. When an action potential reaches the…
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The Principal Excitatory Neurotransmitter
The principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system is glutamate. Glutamate is involved in a variety of functions throughout the brain, including learning and memory, sensory processing, and motor control. When glutamate is released by presynaptic neurons, it binds to and activates receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane…
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Releasing Glutamate
Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and it is released by neurons in response to various stimuli. When glutamate is released, it binds to and activates receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to an influx of positively charged ions such as calcium and sodium into the neuron. This influx of…
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Modulate Synaptic Transmission
Modulation of synaptic transmission refers to the ability of the nervous system to alter the strength and efficacy of communication between neurons at synapses. Synaptic transmission is the process by which information is passed from one neuron to another, and it can be modified by a variety of factors, including neurotransmitter release, receptor activation, and…
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Plasticity of the Nervous System
The plasticity of the nervous system refers to its ability to change and adapt in response to experience and environmental stimuli. The nervous system can undergo structural and functional changes that allow it to modify its connections and activity patterns in response to new learning or injury. There are several forms of plasticity in the…
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Support and Repair the Nervous Tissue
Non-neuronal cells, also known as glial cells, play a critical role in supporting and repairing the nervous tissue. Glial cells, which outnumber neurons in the nervous system, are essential in maintaining the structure and function of neurons and the overall health of the nervous system. One important function of glial cells is to provide structural…
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Non-Neuronal Cells
Non-neuronal cells, also known as glial cells, are a type of cell in the nervous system that provides support and maintenance to neurons. While neurons are the primary functional units of the nervous system, non-neuronal cells play essential roles in supporting neuronal function and maintaining the microenvironment of the nervous system. There are several types…