Excitatory synapse

An excitatory synapse is the junction between two neurons at which neurotransmitter release (predominantly glutamate in the CNS) increases the probability of action potential generation in the postsynaptic neuron[1][3][6][8]. It consists of a presynaptic terminal that releases excitatory neurotransmitter, a postsynaptic membrane densely populated with receptors (such as AMPA and NMDA receptors), and associated protein scaffolds (postsynaptic density)[1][3]. The function and density of excitatory synapses are critical for brain signaling, plasticity, and learning. Dysregulation or loss of excitatory synaptic function is implicated in multiple brain disorders[3][7]. For structured information or direct therapeutic relevance, one should specify a particular molecular target or protein within the excitatory synapse (such as "Glutamate receptor subunit NMDA type 2B" or "Postsynaptic density protein 95") rather than referring to the synapse as a whole[3][6].

Other names

Type I synapse