01-06-2009, 06:06 PM
When an action potential reaches the synaptic knob of a presynaptic neuron, it triggers the opening of calcium voltage gated channels. The influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) leads to the release of neurotransmitter that are stored in the synaptic vesicles. The neurotransmitter crosses the synaptic cleft to bind to ligand gated channels on the postsynaptic cell. This creates an end plate potential which may or may not trigger an action potential in the postsynaptic cell.
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