Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Release refers to when neurotransmitters are released from vesicles in one neuron into the synaptic gap. This process allows them to bind with receptors on another neuron and transmit information between neurons.
Reuptake is a process where released neurotransmitters are taken back up into the sending neuron after they have transmitted their signal across synapses.
Neurotransmission: Neurotransmission is a term used to describe how nerve cells communicate with each other through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.
Synaptic Cleft: The synaptic cleft refers to the small space between two neurons where communication occurs via chemical signaling using neurotransmitters.