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Vesicles

Definition

Small membrane-bound sacs inside neurons that store various neurotransmitters that are released at the synapse.

Analogy

Imagine vesicles as tiny storage units within each neuron. Just like how you'd store your belongings in these units until you need them, vesicles hold onto neurotransmitters until they're needed for communication between neurons.

Related terms

Exocytosis: The process where vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane and release their contents into the extracellular space.

Endocytosis: The process where cells absorb material from outside their cell membranes via engulfing with their cell membrane.

Neurotransmitter Release: The process where neurotransmitters stored in vesicles are released into synaptic clefts to transmit information across synapses.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.