What is a Presynaptic Neuron?
The presynaptic neuron is the neuron that is involved in transmitting the message to the synaptic cleft by releasing neurotransmitters such as Acetylcholine (Ach). It is present before the synaptic cleft. Its function is to send the information.
When the wave of depolarization reaches the axon ending of the presynaptic neuron, calcium channels present on the presynaptic membrane open, and the influx of calcium ions occurs. Calcium ions bind with synaptic vesicles present in synaptic knobs or terminal knobs of axons. After this, synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters fuses with the presynaptic membrane and release neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. The process involved is exocytosis. After this, the postsynaptic neuron will receive the message.
Difference Between Presynaptic Neuron and Postsynaptic Neuron
Difference Between Presynaptic Neurons and Postsynaptic Neurons: Presynaptic Neurons and Postsynaptic Neurons are two neurons that are involved in forming chemical synapses for the transmission of impulses between two neurons. The major difference between a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron is that the presynaptic neuron is involved in transmitting a message to the synaptic cleft by releasing neurotransmitters while the postsynaptic neuron is involved in receiving the message from the synaptic cleft by taking up neurotransmitters from the cleft.
In this article, you will study the Difference between Presynaptic Neuron and Postsynaptic Neuron, along with their similarities.
Table of Content
- What is a Synapse?
- What is a Presynaptic Neuron?
- What is a Postsynaptic Neuron?
- Difference Between Presynaptic Neuron and Postsynaptic Neuron
- Similarities Between Presynaptic Neurons and Postsynaptic Neurons